‘Behdienkhlam’ literally means ‘to drive away evils (Beh dien) and plague (khlam)’, and is often called the specific name of ‘driving away the demon of Cholera’.
KRC Times Tell Tale Teaser Team
Behdienkhlam, a popular harvest festival celebrated by tribal communities in the Jainta hills district of Meghalaya
The festival is observed by Hindus and followers of the ‘Niamtre’ faith.
In rural communities such as those in parts of Meghalaya, it is also important that there is no outbreak of disease which could be as destructive as any famine.
‘Behdienkhlam’ literally means ‘to drive away evils (Beh dien) and plague (khlam)‘, and is often called the specific name of ‘driving away the demon of Cholera‘.
Taking place at the end of the sowing season, just as the rainy months begin, the festival lasts for four days. It takes place in the month of July.
The most striking feature of this colourful festival are the tall bamboo structures brightly decorated with paper called ‘Rots‘ or ‘Raths‘. Each village creates a rot with their own symbols and messages. About 30 men will carry the rot to a sacred pool called ‘Aitnar‘, where the rots are immersed to bring good fortune.
The villages then compete in Dad-Lawakor, a type of soccer game with a wooden ball. The victors gain extra blessings for the coming months. The festival ends with a final salutation to the divine powers when the women of the tribe offer sacrificial food to their almighty.
