Behdienkhlam

What Is Behdienkhlam?

Behdienkhlam is one of the most important and vibrant cultural festivals celebrated by the Pnar people, an indigenous community residing in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. This four-day annual event marks a period of deep cultural observance, involving a series of traditional rituals and communal activities. It serves as a fervent prayer for a prosperous harvest and protection against plagues and misfortunes that might affect the community.

The festival is particularly renowned for its grand celebrations in Jowai, the headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills district. It encapsulates the rich heritage and customs of the Pnar community, acting as a significant marker in their yearly calendar. While the core purpose revolves around agricultural blessings and disease prevention, it also functions as a major social gathering, reinforcing communal bonds and cultural identity.

History and Origins of Behdienkhlam

The history of Behdienkhlam is rooted in the ancient traditions and narratives of the Pnar people, long before the advent of Christianity in the region. According to oral traditions, the festival originated in a time when the Jaintia region was afflicted by a severe plague and famine. The then king, with the guidance of his elders, sought a way to appease their traditional deities and bring an end to the suffering.

The legend states that the main deity, U-Mokhai, instructed a ritual involving the driving away of evil spirits using wooden sticks and ceremonial dances. This act, known as ‘Beh Dien Khlam’ which translates to ‘driving away of evil by wooden sticks’, successfully ended the plague. Since then, the festival has been annually observed to commemorate this deliverance and to continue the practice of seeking blessings for the community’s well-being and a productive agricultural cycle. It reflects the Pnar community’s historical reliance on agriculture and their traditional understanding of natural forces.

How Behdienkhlam Is Celebrated

Behdienkhlam is celebrated with a distinct set of rituals and community events over four days, culminating in a grand procession. The preparations begin well in advance, with community members crafting elaborate structures and effigies. The festival is characterised by its colourful display, vigorous dances, and competitive games.

One of the central customs involves the ceremonial felling of a tall tree, known as ‘Khnong’, which is then stripped and used in various parts of the festival. Wooden poles, called ‘Dien Khlam’, are also prepared and carried to symbolic locations to ward off evil. These poles are symbolically pushed into the mud of a sacred pond, representing the expulsion of malevolent forces. The festival is presided over by the Doloi, the traditional administrative head, and the priests who conduct the rituals.

A highlight of the celebrations is the ‘Dat Lawakor’, a traditional football-like game played in a muddy field called Aitisnar. Two teams compete to push a large, round log across a line, symbolising the struggle between good and evil, and predicting the year’s harvest based on the winning side. Another notable feature is the creation of ‘Roht Kut’ – tall, colourful structures resembling chariots, made from bamboo and paper. These are paraded through the streets before being immersed in a sacred pool, signifying the conclusion of the festival and the hopeful renewal of life and prosperity. Traditional music, drumming, and group dances accompany all these activities, fostering a strong sense of community and celebration.

When Is Behdienkhlam?

Behdienkhlam is a moveable observance, with its date determined by the traditional Pnar calendar. This calendar is lunar-based, meaning the exact Gregorian calendar date fluctuates each year. However, the festival consistently occurs in the month of July, following the peak of the sowing season. This timing aligns with its primary purpose of invoking a good harvest.

The celebration spans four days, starting with preparatory rituals and building up to the main events on the final day. The dates are announced by the traditional elders and religious leaders (Daloi and priests) of the Jaintia community. While the core celebrations occur in Jowai, variations in local observance dates might exist in smaller Pnar villages within the Jaintia Hills.

Behdienkhlam Key Facts