JOWAI: The sun was at its peak when revellers were gathering at Aitnar in Jowai for the concluding day celebrations of Behdeinkhlam on Sunday. But the heat could not lessen their enthusiasm even by an iota.
The steps on both sides of the sacred pool, or Ka Syiem Aitnar, and the roads coming down to the water body were filled with thousands of people by 1pm. The lucky ones managed to get space on the steps.
A view of Aitnar from the roof of a nearby building only showed a sea of umbrellas and their calm reflection on the pool.
Among those gathered were young and old, locals and tourists, besides Niam Tre believers.
By the time Meghalaya Governor Banwarilal Purohit came to attend the final day of the ceremony, the revellers had already started their dance of faith inside the shallow pool that had turned muddy.
The sky too had turned dark making it comfortable for the spectators.
Altogether 13 rots were brought at Aitnar from different localities. Each rot had a message, be it on love or crime against women, or health issues, like ‘Smoking Kills’. Messages on environment were also displayed.
The Datlawakor, another ritual performed after the immersion of the raths at Aitnar, was played between the team of U Langdoh and the team of U Sangot Paswet.
The game is similar to football and is played with a wooden ball. All players have to be barefoot.
The team of U Langdoh represented the Pynthor Wah and the team of U Sangot Paswet represented the Pynthor Nein – the two valleys known as the rice bowl of the Pnar.
The Langdoh won the match. It is believed the winning team would bring more fertility to their region.
Among other guests were Justice Ved Prakash Vaish, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, and Power Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, beside others also witnessed the colourful festival.
