Behdienkhlam is a vibrant festival celebrated in Meghalaya, India. It is one of the most important festivals for the Pnar tribe in Jaintia Hills. The festival usually takes place in July. It lasts for four days. The word "Behdienkhlam" means "chasing away the plague." It reflects the community's wish for good health and prosperity. People believe that the festival helps drive away evil spirits and diseases. It is also a time to ask for a good harvest. During the festival, people build large, decorated structures called "rots."
These are carried through the streets in a grand procession. The villagers also perform traditional dances and songs. The festival ends with a ceremony at the sacred pool of Aitnar. Behdienkhlam is not just a religious event. It is also a time for social bonding. Families come together to celebrate. The entire community participates in the festivities. Visitors are welcome to join and experience the unique culture.
History of Behdienkhlam Festival
The Land of no Man
The myth surrounding this festival leads to an interesting story that suggests that all of Jowai was once devoid of the human population. The only inhabitants of the area were five deities, four stones, and a river maiden. This is the reason why the five deities, apparently, requested god to convert the lonely forest into a thriving human dwelling. Their prayer was heard and the eldest of the deity, U Mokhai is said to have rejoiced with dance and song.
The Curse of the Horrific Plague
One of the more popular stories about the festival is that of the plague curse. There was a mythical prophecy that claimed Jowai would be struck by a fierce plague. The scare spread among the natives and they rushed to their revered deities - U Mukhai, Mulong, Mooralong, and Musniang. The deities advised them to worship the divine elements to fight natural calamities. Behdienkhlam is an extension of this belief, according to which health epidemics are an effect of the evil forces.
Major Attractions at Behdienkhlam Festival Meghalaya
1. A Celebration of the Harvest
The festival is essentially celebrated by farmers. It is said to be a significant way to pray for a bountiful harvest in the season. The locals suggest Behdienkhlam has a regional significance too. And the elders say the meaning of the festival lies in its name. While Beh Dien means to make something go away by beating sticks, Khlam means a fatal epidemic. As a customary tradition people gather around and climb on top of their houses to beat the roofs with sticks.
2. Changing Times
In recent years, the people of Jowai have become aware of the need to safeguard the environment. They have added a new purpose to the festival and have started awareness campaigns too, to educate people about the safety of the environment. The cultural ecstasy of the Jowai people echoes through a colorful celebration. People carry colorful bamboo structures called Rots or raths and gather at the celebration site. These rots carry different social messages and it has made the festival more of an honest effort to fight social evils today.
How to Reach Meghalaya for Behdienkhlam Festival
Jowai in Meghalaya can be a little tough to reach majorly due to its geographical remoteness. Although, it is connected very well with Shillong and Guwahati. It is situated at a distance of 2,063, 3,114, 1,168, 2,890 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
By Air
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) and Shillong Airport (SHL) are the two best options to reach here.
The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is located at a distance of around 180-200 km from Jowai. Formerly known as the Borjhar Airport, it is considered the primary airport of North-Eastern Indian states. It is considered the 8th busiest airport in India. During the year 2017, this airport handled traffic of more than 3.7 million passengers.
Many flights operate to and fro this airport connecting various Indian cities. Here is how you can reach here by the following routes.
Coming on to the Shillong Airport (SHL), it is situated at a distance of 70-80 km from Jowai. As it is situated in Umroi, it also goes by the name of Umroi Airport.
- Delhi - Board SpiceJet, Go Air, IndiGo flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,000-Rs.3,000
- Dimapur - Board Air India and IndiGo flights from Dimapur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.1,000-Rs.1,500
- Patna - Board IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go Air flights from Patna Airport. The airfares start from Rs.2,500-Rs.3,000
- Lucknow - Board IndiGo, Go Air, Air India flights from Lucknow Airport. The airfares start from Rs.3,000
- Jodhpur - Board SpiceJet, IndiGo, Vistara flights from Jodhpur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.8,000
- Jaipur - Board Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo flights from Jaipur Airport. The airfares start from Rs.6,000
By Train
The nearest railway station is in Guwahati which is situated at a distance of 160 km from Jowai. After you deboard at the station, it will take you around 3-4 hours to reach the town. This railway station is the first fully operated railway station in India. Here is how you can reach here.
- Delhi - Board DBRT Rajdhani from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Guwahati Junction
- Patna - Board DBRT Rajdhani from Danapur Railway Station and deboard at the Guwahati Junction
- Kolkata - Board GHY Gharib Rath from Kolkata and deboard at the Guwahati Station
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can also plan to travel to Jowai by road as well. For this, you can either travel by your own vehicle, cab, or by bus as well.
Here is the route you can take to reach here.
- Guwahati - 161 km via NH6 or Shillong Bypass Road
- Siliguri - 606 km via NH27 or NH17
- Darjeeling - 634 km via NH27 or NH17
- Imphal - 405 km via NH37 or NH6
- Silchar - 161 km via NH6
Conclusion
The Behdienkhlam Festival, a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, reflects the deep-rooted traditions and communal spirit of the Jaintia tribe in Meghalaya. This annual event, marked by elaborate rituals, dances, and offerings, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the community's hopes for a prosperous harvest. The festival not only preserves the cultural heritage of the Jaintia people but also fosters unity and strengthens communal bonds. As the festival concludes, it leaves behind a renewed sense of identity, cultural pride, and a collective aspiration for health, happiness, and prosperity for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions on Behdienkhlam Festival
Q1: What is the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A1: The Behdienkhlam Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival celebrated by the Jaintia tribe in Meghalaya, India. It is a vibrant event marked by rituals, dances, and offerings to drive away evil spirits and seek blessings for a good harvest.
Q2: When is the Behdienkhlam Festival celebrated?
A2: The Behdienkhlam Festival is typically celebrated in July, coinciding with the monsoon season, which is significant for the agrarian community seeking a bountiful harvest.
Q3: What is the significance of the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A3: The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a plea to the gods for a prosperous harvest. It also serves to strengthen communal bonds and preserve the cultural heritage of the Jaintia tribe.
Q4: What are some of the key rituals performed during the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A4: Key rituals include the beating of the roof of every house with bamboo poles, the immersion of a wooden log (called "Khnong"), and traditional dances performed by men. These rituals are believed to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
Q5: Who participates in the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A5: The entire Jaintia community, including men, women, and children, actively participates in the festival. However, certain rituals are exclusively performed by men.
Q6: What role do traditional dances play in the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A6: Traditional dances are a central part of the festival, serving both a ritualistic purpose and as a means of expressing joy and unity. They are performed to invoke the blessings of the gods and to celebrate the community's cultural heritage.
Q7: How do visitors and tourists participate in the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A7: Visitors and tourists are welcome to witness the festival, participate in the communal activities, and enjoy the cultural performances. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of the Jaintia tribe.
Q8: What is the significance of the wooden log immersion ritual?
A8: The immersion of the wooden log, known as "Khnong," symbolizes the driving away of evil spirits and misfortunes from the community. It is one of the most important rituals of the festival.
Q9: How does the Behdienkhlam Festival impact the local economy?
A9: The festival boosts the local economy by attracting tourists, which leads to increased business for local vendors, artisans, and hospitality services. It also promotes cultural tourism in Meghalaya.
Q10: Why is the Behdienkhlam Festival important for cultural preservation?
A10: The festival is crucial for preserving the cultural identity and heritage of the Jaintia tribe. It ensures the transmission of traditional practices, rituals, and values to future generations, fostering a sense of pride and continuity within the community.
