Behdienkhlam is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals celebrated in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India. Observed annually in July by the Pnar tribe, this four-day festival is rooted in the indigenous Niamtre faith and symbolizes the community’s efforts to drive away evil spirits, disease, and misfortune. The word “Behdienkhlam” translates to “chasing away the plague,” reflecting its historical connection to health, purification, and protection.
The festival is known for its unique rituals, including the immersion of elaborately decorated wooden structures called “Rots” in the sacred Wah Aitnar river. These symbolic offerings represent unity, strength, and the collective hope for a prosperous harvest season. Men actively participate in the processions and traditional games like “Datlawakor,” a spirited football-like match played with a wooden ball, while women perform religious duties at home to honour ancestors.
Behdienkhlam is not just a religious event but a powerful expression of cultural identity and social harmony. For visitors and cultural enthusiasts, it offers a rare glimpse into Meghalaya’s tribal heritage, making it a must-attend festival that celebrates tradition, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of the Jaintia people.
History of Behdienkhlam Festival
The Land of no Man
The myth surrounding this festival leads to an interesting story that suggests that all of Jowai was once devoid of the human population. The only inhabitants of the area were five deities, four stones, and a river maiden. This is the reason why the five deities, apparently, requested god to convert the lonely forest into a thriving human dwelling. Their prayer was heard and the eldest of the deity, U Mokhai is said to have rejoiced with dance and song.
The Curse of the Horrific Plague
One of the more popular stories about the festival is that of the plague curse. There was a mythical prophecy that claimed Jowai would be struck by a fierce plague. The scare spread among the natives and they rushed to their revered deities - U Mukhai, Mulong, Mooralong, and Musniang. The deities advised them to worship the divine elements to fight natural calamities. Behdienkhlam is an extension of this belief, according to which health epidemics are an effect of the evil forces.
Major Attractions at Behdienkhlam Festival Meghalaya
1. The “Rot” Procession
One of the most iconic visuals of Behdienkhlam is the grand procession of towering, artistically crafted wooden structures called Rots. Decorated with vibrant themes and carried by groups of men, these symbolic offerings are paraded through the streets and finally immersed in the sacred Wah Aitnar river.
2. Datlawakor (Traditional Game)
A highlight of the festival is Datlawakor, a traditional game similar to football, played with a massive wooden ball in a muddy field. It is a spirited contest between two clans and symbolizes the fight between good and evil.
3. Chasing Away Evil Spirits
Rituals involving the beating of rooftops with bamboo poles by young men are carried out to drive away disease and negative energies. This act signifies cleansing and purification of the village.
4. Sacred River Immersion Ceremony
The immersion of the Rots in Wah Aitnar is a deeply spiritual ritual. The river is considered holy, and the act of immersion marks the climax of the festival, invoking blessings for health and prosperity.
5. Cultural Performances and Folk Music
The festival is filled with traditional dances, drumbeats, and folk music that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Jaintia tribe, making it a truly immersive experience.
6. Traditional Offerings and Rituals by Priests (Daloi)
Tribal priests, known as Daloi, lead sacred prayers and rituals throughout the festival. Offerings are made to appease deities and seek divine protection for the community.
How to Reach Meghalaya for Behdienkhlam Festival
Jowai in Meghalaya can be a little tough to reach majorly due to its geographical remoteness. Although, it is connected very well with Shillong and Guwahati. It is situated at a distance of 2,063, 3,114, 1,168, 2,890 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
By Air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) and Shillong Airport (SHL) are the two best options to reach here.
The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is located at a distance of around 180-200 km from Jowai. Formerly known as the Borjhar Airport, it is considered the primary airport of North-Eastern Indian states. It is considered the 8th busiest airport in India. During the year 2017, this airport handled traffic of more than 3.7 million passengers.
Many flights operate to and fro this airport connecting various Indian cities. Here is how you can reach here by the following routes.
Coming on to the Shillong Airport (SHL), it is situated at a distance of 70-80 km from Jowai. As it is situated in Umroi, it also goes by the name of Umroi Airport.
- Delhi - Board SpiceJet, Go Air, IndiGo flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,000-Rs.3,000
- Dimapur - Board Air India and IndiGo flights from Dimapur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.1,000-Rs.1,500
- Patna - Board IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go Air flights from Patna Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,500-Rs.3,000
- Lucknow - Board IndiGo, Go Air, Air India flights from Lucknow Airport. The airfares start from Rs.3,000
- Jodhpur - Board SpiceJet, IndiGo, Vistara flights from Jodhpur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.8,000
- Jaipur - Board Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo flights from Jaipur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.6,000
By Train
The nearest railway station is in Guwahati which is situated at a distance of 160 km from Jowai. After you deboard at the station, it will take you around 3-4 hours to reach the town. This railway station is the first fully operated railway station in India. Here is how you can reach here.
- Delhi - Board DBRT Rajdhani from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Guwahati Junction
- Patna - Board DBRT Rajdhani from Danapur Railway Station and deboard at the Guwahati Junction
- Kolkata - Board GHY Gharib Rath from Kolkata and deboard at the Guwahati Station
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can also plan to travel to Jowai by road as well. For this, you can either travel by your own vehicle, cab, or by bus as well.
Here is the route you can take to reach here.
- Guwahati - 161 km via NH6 or Shillong Bypass Road
- Siliguri - 606 km via NH27 or NH17
- Darjeeling - 634 km via NH27 or NH17
- Imphal - 405 km via NH37 or NH6
- Silchar - 161 km via NH6
Conclusion
The Behdienkhlam Festival, a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, reflects the deep-rooted traditions and communal spirit of the Jaintia tribe in Meghalaya. This annual event, marked by elaborate rituals, dances, and offerings, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the community's hopes for a prosperous harvest. The festival not only preserves the cultural heritage of the Jaintia people but also fosters unity and strengthens communal bonds. As the festival concludes, it leaves behind a renewed sense of identity, cultural pride, and a collective aspiration for health, happiness, and prosperity for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions on Behdienkhlam Festival
Q1. What is the Behdienkhlam Festival and why is it celebrated?
A1. Behdienkhlam is a traditional festival celebrated by the Pnar (Jaintia) tribe of Meghalaya to drive away evil spirits, diseases, and to pray for a good harvest. The term "Behdienkhlam" means "chasing away the plague." It reflects the community’s faith in purification, protection, and divine blessings.
Q2. When and where is Behdienkhlam celebrated?
A2. The festival takes place annually in the month of July, mainly in Jowai town and other parts of the Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya.
Q3. What are the main highlights of Behdienkhlam Festival?
A3. Major attractions include the grand Rot procession, immersion ceremony in the Wah Aitnar river, the Datlawakor wooden ball game, rooftop rituals to ward off evil, and traditional music and dance performances.
Q4. Who participates in the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A4. The festival is primarily celebrated by followers of the Niamtre faith among the Pnar people. Men take part in public rituals and games, while women observe sacred customs at home.
Q5. Can tourists attend the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A5. Yes, tourists are welcome to witness the festival. It offers a unique cultural experience filled with traditional rituals, colorful processions, and community celebrations.
