JOWAI, July 8: The Behdeinkhlam Festival 2025, which is a major cultural and religious event celebrated in the Jaintia Hills, will commence on July 11 in Jowai.
This was announced by the Sein Raij Jowai here on Tuesday.
Recognised as one of the prominent state festivals of Meghalaya, the Behdeinkhlam Festival will feature traditional rituals and dances, attracting devotees, residents and visitors from across the state and beyond.
The final day of the festival on July 14 will be attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Sniawbhalang Dhar and Prestone Tynsong, along with other ministers, MLAs, MDCs and dignitaries.
At a press briefing held at the Sein Raij Hall on Tuesday, key representatives, including president Hercules Toi, Doloi of Elaka Jowai Puramon Kynjing, general secretary Awot Sumer and other members shared details about the upcoming celebrations, noting that this year’s festival is expected to be a grand affair.
Both the president and the Doloi expressed deep joy in being able to celebrate the festival in its traditional form once again and extended a warm invitation to the general public to witness the rituals and dances that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Jaintia people.
The Sein Raij Jowai has urged the entire community, including followers of the indigenous faith and people from all walks of life, to participate in the festival, emphasising that Behdeinkhlam is a collective prayer for good health, protection from diseases and for peace and prosperity across society. It is also a time to reaffirm moral and spiritual values, as well as economic stability within the community.
In preparation for the festival, the Sein Raij Jowai, in coordination with local traffic police, has arranged special traffic and parking regulations for visitors, with no-entry zones and designated parking areas finalised to ensure smooth movement and safety throughout the celebrations.
