Local holidays declared in Jaintia Hills for Behdienkhlam Festival

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2025

The Deputy Commissioners of West and East Jaintia Hills districts have declared local holidays in their respective jurisdictions in connection with the celebration of the traditional Behdienkhlam festival.

In West Jaintia Hills, 11th July 2025 (Friday) has been declared a local holiday on account of the Behdienkhlam Festival at Jowai. All State Government offices, Revenue and Magisterial Courts, Banks, and Educational Institutions within the district shall remain closed on the said day.

Similarly, in East Jaintia Hills, the Deputy Commissioner has announced that 22nd July 2025 (Tuesday) will be observed as a local holiday in view of Seinraij Tuber’s Behdienkhlam celebration. All Government offices, Magistrate Courts, Banks, and Educational institutions in the district will remain closed on that day.

Behdienkhlam is one of the most significant traditional festivals of the Pnar community, marked by rituals and dances to invoke blessings and drive away sickness and evil.