JOWAI, July 22: The grand Behdienkhlam festival of Sein Raij Tuber, regarded as the largest of its kind in the Jaintia Hills, concluded on Tuesday with much fanfare and religious devotion at Syiem Aitnar in Tuber Kmai Shnong, East Jaintia Hills.
Held annually, the festival drew thousands of spectators and participants from across the Khasi-Jaintia region and beyond.
Marking the culmination of the traditional religious observance, this year’s event was graced by several dignitaries, including Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and local MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, Saipung-Sutnga MLA Santa Marry Shylla, Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, MDCs of JHADC, the Superintendent of Police, Doloi from various Elakas, and other prominent community leaders.
This year, dozens of beautifully decorated “Rots” (ceremonial structures) were brought into the sacred pool (Syiem Aitnar) by various villages and localities of Sein Raij Tuber. Each “Rot” was uniquely crafted and adorned with meaningful messages and artwork by the respective communities.
One of the highlights of the final day was the traditional “Dieng Bhang” competition, a symbolic tug-of-war between two groups representing different sections of Raij Tuber. The event also featured vibrant cultural performances and enthusiastic community participation, reflecting the unity and spiritual fervor of the festival.
Behdienkhlam, which means “driving away plague and evil spirits,” is not only a time of religious significance but also a powerful expression of cultural identity, resilience, and social harmony among the Jaintia people.
