Behdeinkhlam Festival
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | "Driving away plague/demons" (Beh Dien = drive away with sticks; Khlam = plague) |
| Celebrated by | Pnar tribe (Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya) |
| Timing | July (post-sowing season) |
| Duration | 4 days (culminates at Aitnar and Mynthong) |
| Significance | - Ward off evil spirits, diseases & misfortune - Invoke blessings for harvest & prosperity |
Rituals & Practices
- Symbolic Rituals:
- Dein Khlam/Khnong: Polished tree trunks erected as totems.
- Roof-Beating: Young men beat house roofs with bamboo poles to drive away evil spirits.
- Community Gatherings:
- Aitnar: Final-day dance to pipes/drums (all age groups participate).
- Dad-Lawakor: Traditional football-like game at Mynthong symbolizing unity.
- Modern Integration:
- Themes like environment conservation and social harmony incorporated recently.
Cultural & Ecological Significance
- Agrarian Roots: Aligned with monsoon sowing cycle; seeks crop protection.
- Tribal Identity: Preserves Pnar animist traditions despite Christian majority in Meghalaya.
- Environmental Link: Tree trunks used are sustainably sourced; reflects tribal forest stewardship.