JOWAI, July 17: The celebration of the hills’ biggest Behdeinkhlam festival in Jaintia Hills, organised by Sein Raij Tuber, concluded on Monday at Tuberkmai Shnong village in East Jaintia Hills.
Among a plethora of customs, an important ritual called ‘Knia Ryngkaw’ was performed on the final day. ‘Knia Ryngkaw’ is an oblation to the Goddess who stands guard over the Raij. This was performed by the priest or U Longdoh. The ‘Ka Beh Khlam’ was another symbolic ritual performed in which members of the Sein Raij at Tuber holding sticks ran from the west to east end of the village beating anything on their way to drive away plague.
The last two rituals performed before and after immersion of all rots brought to Aitnar were ‘Ka Iatan Bhang’ and ‘Iaslait’. The ‘Iatan Bhang’ is a tug-of-war between groups representing the Phang Nein (North) and Phang Wah (South). It is believed that if the ‘Phang Nein’ wins the game, the northern part of the Raid Tuber will be more prosperous.
On Monday, about 65 rots were brought at the Aitnar from more than 28 villages.
Present during the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, local MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Doloi Elaka Jowai Puramon Kynjing, JHADC MDCs, president secretary of Sein Raij Tuber and others.
