JOWAI: The Behdeinkhlam festival in Jaintia Hills celebrated by the Sein Raij Tuber, the largest of all in the Jaintia Hills, concluded at Tuberkmai Shnong village on Monday.
The festival witnessed a colourful display of 64 ‘rongs’ or ‘rath’ at the Biar, or the sacred pool.
All ‘rongs’ were brought by Niamtre faithful from various parts of West and East Jaintia Hills, including Khliehtyrshi, Madur, Mupyut near Jowai, Jalaphet from Sutnga and other places from East Jaintia Hills.
Members of the Sein Raij Tuber representing different localities of over 29 villages danced to drum beats and other traditional musical instruments while carrying their rots as 10,000-odd spectators cheered.
Also present on the occasion were Rajya Sabha MP Wansuk Syiem, MLAs Justine Dkhar and Hopeful Bamon, besides JHADC members.
Other important rituals performed on Monday were Knia Ryngkaw, an oblation to the Goddess who guards over the Raij was performed by the priest or U Longdoh U Riblai assisted by religious elders.
Beh Khlam was another symbolic ritual performed early in the morning. Hundreds of members of the Sein Raij at Tuber holding sticks (similar to a long fishing rod) ran from the west end to the east 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, which is similar to a game of tug-of-war, and Iaslait, similar to wrestling, in which two of the strongest men compete against each other.
The Iatan Bhang is a tug-of-war between a group representing the Phang Nein (North) and the 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 and vice versa.
Behdeinkhlam is a religious festival performed by faithful of a traditional faith – or the Pnars’ tribal religion. For those who work far away from their home it is a homecoming season for them.
