Meghalaya prepares for Behdieñkhlam, a festival of cleansing and blessings

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 8, 2025

Jowai is abuzz with preparations for Behdieñkhlam 2025, the most important and largest festival of the Pnars in the Jaintia Hills region. Considered one of Meghalaya’s three major festivals, it is a time when the people seek blessings from the Almighty Creator for health, peace, and prosperity.

The term Behdieñkhlam comes from three Pnar words: beh (to chase or drive away), dieñ (wood or log), and khlam (plague or epidemic), making it a festival to “drive away plague.”

President of Seiñraij Jowai, H. Toi, highlighted that preparations—ranging from cleaning and decorating ritual sites to logistical arrangements—are well underway. He reminded that Behdieñkhlam is not just about rituals but about unity and collective wellbeing.

This year’s celebrations will also see the participation of Deputy Chief Ministers Sniawbhalang Dhar and Prestone Tynsong, along with cabinet ministers and MLAs.

Dolloi of Elaka Jowai, Puramon Kynjing, has urged all stakeholders to cooperate and take necessary steps to ease public movement during the four-day festival. He said measures are being planned, including adjustments to ritual timings, to ensure a smooth experience for both devotees and visitors.

General Secretary Arwotki Sumer outlined the festival schedule briefly:

It begins on July 11 (Pynsiñ): The Khonraij will fetch the Symbood Khnong and place it at Loomsooiung, New Hill, for the night.

On July 12 (Mulong), All localities collect the Dienkhlam (consecrated trees) from the forest with music, dance, and fanfare. The logs are brought to Iawmusiang and placed there overnight. Later, the Khonraij will escort the Khnong Blai to Loomsooiung along with other localities in a festive procession.

July 13 (Musiang) Houses will erect their Dienkhlam Khian (consecrated shrubs). The Symbood Khnong is set up at Khlieh Chnong, Chilliangraij. Moral addresses are delivered at Mynkoi Pyrdi by elders. The Khnong Blai is taken to Pohsawiar for prayers before localities install their Dienkhlam.

The festival concludes on July 14 (Muchai) The Kyntiñ Khnong ritual takes place at Iung Langdoh. The Khnong Blai is escorted to Syiem Aitnar, a sacred pool, for the final rituals. The festival concludes with the Datlawakor, a traditional football match played with wooden balls, symbolizing hopes for a bountiful harvest.

Vice President EMH Passah said that Behdieñkhlam is a time when Trekirot descends to bless the people. He appealed to visitors to come with a pure heart so they too may receive the same blessings as the entire community.

With meticulous planning and community cooperation, Seiñraij Jowai hopes to make Behdieñkhlam 2025 a spiritually uplifting and seamlessly organized celebration.