BEHDIENKHLAM FESTIVAL (MEGHALAYA)

CURRENT CONTEXT: The four-day Behdienkhlam festival took place from 11–14 July 2025 in Jowai, Meghalaya.

It celebrated traditional rituals aimed at driving away disease while marking the post-sowing season.

 ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

• Meaning & Timing: “Drive away plague” — a post-sowing ritual to ward off disease and bring blessings for a good harvest.
• Rituals:
  • Young men beat rooftops with bamboo poles—a symbolic exorcism act.
  • Decorative poles (‘Khnong’ and tall ‘Rots’) are paraded, then immersed in the Wah Aitnar pool on the final day.
  • Dolois (priests) perform rites; women offer sacrificial food.