Behdienkhlam 2025 ends with fierce warnings on Coke and Myntdu

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 14, 2025

Meghalaya’s iconic festival of the Pnar people, Behdieñkhlam, came to a spectacular close on Monday at the sacred pool of Aitnar in Jowai. The four-day celebration—one of the state’s most vibrant and significant—merged faith, culture, and urgent calls for environmental action.

Behdieñkhlam, meaning “drive away plague”, is steeped in rituals led by religious functionaries—the Dolloi, Pator, Langdoh, Sangot, and others. These included Kyntiñ Khnong, Bam Tyngkong, and Choh Thyndai.

Thirteen towering rots—elaborate bamboo and wood structures designed and built by various Seinraij and Dorbar Shnong—were paraded through Jowai before their ceremonial immersion at Aitnar. Seinraij Shillong, Seng Khasi Kmie, Seintyllilang Niamtre Ladthadlaboh, Seinraij Ummulong, and localities including Loomiongkjam, Loomkyrwiang, Umshangiar, Panaliar, Dulong, Tpep Pale, Loompyrdi Iongpiah, and Iawmusiang took part with immense devotion and creative flair.

One of the most striking rots came from Seintyllilang Ladthadlaboh, which carried a dual message on environmental degradation. One side highlighted the growing menace of unregulated coke factories with a chilling warning:

“Stop the smoke before we choke. Today’s emissions, tomorrow’s extinctions.”

The other side depicted the Myntdu River—the “guardian angel” of Jowai that has provided water for generations—now suffocating under domestic waste, construction debris, and untreated effluents. Its plea resonated deeply:

“The Myntdu isn’t your dustbin—let’s keep it alive.”

Ummulong’s rot paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces for their role in Operation Sindoor, while Loomkyrwiang reflected on humanity’s overreliance on artificial intelligence:

“The rise of artificial intelligence may lead to the decline of human intelligence. AI, created by man, has outsmarted its master—achieving perfections beyond normal possibility, totally out of this world.”

Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar blessed the thousands who thronged Aitnar, joined by ministers Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla, MLAs Sanbor Shullai and Wailadmiki Shylla, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. WR Kharlukhi, JHADC MDCs, and senior officials.

The grand finale was the traditional Datlawakor—a spirited contest resembling football, played with a rounded wooden ball. It saw teams from Pynthor Nein (Upper Valley) and Pynthorwah (Lower Valley) of the Myntdu River battling for victory, led respectively by the Langdoh and Sangot Paswet. With the Dolloi acting as referee, Pynthor Wah Langdoh team triumphed after 12 minutes and 44 seconds of intense play. As tradition holds, the winning side is believed to be blessed with a bountiful harvest.

As the sun set over Jowai, Behdieñkhlam 2025 concluded with its timeless blend of faith, festivity, and a fierce reminder to care for the earth, air, and water—the true lifelines of the people.