From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Aug 7: As is customary every year, the Seiñ Raij Ialong has concluded the annual Behdienkhlam Festival 2025. The festival culminated on Thursday with thousands of people from across the district and beyond gathering to witness the Behdienkhlam rituals at Ialong village, held at Aitnar Ialong Tre Pyrda, the sacred pond.
This traditional religious event began several days ago with the initial rituals known as ‘Ka Khrong Ka Khri’, followed by various other ceremonies conducted over the past four days by the Langdoh (priest), Tymmen ki San (village elders), the Maji and the Shutia. These rituals included sacrifices and prayers aimed at protecting the people from illnesses, warding off epidemics, and cleansing the village pathways, including sacred and ancestral routes. On Thursday, various rituals were completed, during which 13 different ‘Rong’ or ‘Rots’ (decorated structures or symbolic offerings) were brought by different localities and village groups under the Seiñ Raij Ialong to the sacred Aitnar pond. The final ritual was held by immersing these beautifully crafted structures, marking the conclusion of the festival.
Several prominent government officials attended the event, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, as chief guest, local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla; SP of West Jaintia Hills; Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, former MLA Shitlang Pale, MDCs from the JHADC, Doloi of Jowai Puramon Kynjing, president of Seiñ Raij Jowai H Toi, along with several other dignitaries and traditional leaders of Seiñ Raij Ialong.