Jowai, Meghalaya, July 13: The vibrant and spiritual celebration of Behdienkhlam once again illuminated the streets of Jowai with color, rhythm, and faith, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from across the state and beyond. The annual festival, observed by the Pnar community of the Jaiñtia Hills, is a traditional religious festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.

This year’s festival, themed “Wasuk Wakmen Ia Waroh” (Let Peace and Harmony Prevail), was a spectacle of devotion and community spirit. Organized under the auspices of Seiñ Raij Jowai, the cultural body of the Pnar people, the festival’s main day saw a grand procession featuring gigantic, artistically decorated structures called “Rots” (symbolic towers), carried by groups of men through the crowded streets of Jowai. Each rot is intricately crafted by different localities, reflecting their artistic talent and collective effort.

The term Behdienkhlam roughly translates to “driving away the plague” in the Pnar language. Traditionally, it is observed to chase away disease and evil spirits, and to invoke blessings for good health, prosperity, and an abundant harvest. The festival is deeply rooted in the pre-Christian indigenous religion of the Jaiñtia people known as Niamtre.

One of the most iconic and anticipated moments of the festival is the final event held at the Aitnar pool, where the rots are ceremoniously brought together and immersed in water amid cheers and traditional music. This act symbolizes unity and spiritual cleansing.

The festival is not just spiritual—it is a sensory explosion of sights and sounds. As depicted in the vibrant collage above, the streets of Jowai were adorned with colorful decorations and alive with the sound of traditional music. Local musicians played indigenous instruments like the kynthong (trumpet) and ka bom (drum), echoing through the hills, stirring both reverence and celebration among the crowd.

Dressed in bright yellow and other festive colors, participants moved rhythmically in a sea of devotion. The community spirit was palpable as onlookers from rooftops and balconies watched the grand procession pass by.

This year’s message, “Wasuk Wakmen Ia Waroh” (Peace and Unity for All), carried special significance amidst global and local challenges. The Seiñ Raij Jowai emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous culture while promoting harmony among communities.

Behdienkhlam 2025 was more than a cultural spectacle—it was a celebration of identity, a reaffirmation of faith, and a call for unity in diversity. As the drums fell silent and the final rot disappeared into the sacred waters, the spirit of the festival lingered in the hearts of all who witnessed it—a reminder of the enduring strength and beauty of indigenous traditions.