Behdienkhlam in Meghalaya

Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues and lively spirits of Behdienkhlam, a sacred festival in Meghalaya that beckons the heavens for good harvest.

When it is?

July 11

History of Behdienkhlam in Meghalaya

Behdienkhlam in Meghalaya Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Behdienkhlam</div><div class='timeline-text'>Behdienkhlam, an ancient tribal festival aiming to drive away evils and invoke divine blessings for a good harvest, originated in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Traditions Forming</div><div class='timeline-text'>Traditional rituals, such as Rath Yatra and 'U Lah Tyntsngi,' which involves carrying sacred forest logs to a consecrated pool, became an inseparable part of Behdienkhlam celebrations from this period onwards.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by State</div><div class='timeline-text'>The cultural significance of Behdienkhlam was recognized by the state, providing it an officially sanctioned status among cultural events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>As the world became more global, Behdienkhlam started attracting national and international tourists who came to witness the rich culture and traditions of Meghalaya.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrations pivoted to virtual platforms, preserving the essence of the festival while safeguarding the community’s health.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Behdienkhlam in Meghalaya

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in the dances</h3><p class='facts-text'>Behdienkhlam is known for its lively and high-spirited dances. Join the locals as they perform these traditional dances that are said to drive away evil spirits. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and spirit of the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join the sports competition</h3><p class='facts-text'>The festival also features various indigenous sports competitions. Have a go at these competitions and experience an intense but fun day of local sports.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the sacred forest</h3><p class='facts-text'>The sacred forest of Ialong is where the main festival activities take place. Take a peaceful stroll through this forest and enjoy the tranquil ambience, while absorbing the sacredness of the place.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Interact with the locals</h3><p class='facts-text'>Nothing beats the experience of mingling with locals during a festival. Engage with them to understand their customs, traditions, and the significance of Behdienkhlam. This will give a deeper meaning to your participation in the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Witness the symbolic chasing of the plague demon</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the key highlights of Behdienkhlam is the symbolic chasing away of the demon of the plague. Watch this fascinating ritual and feel the energy and excitement in the air as people come together to drive away evil and welcome prosperity.</p></div></div>

Why Behdienkhlam in Meghalaya is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Strong sense of community and unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Behdienkhlam gives us an insight into the tightly knit community of Meghalaya. The way the locals come together to perform dances, compete in sports, and engage in rituals showcases their strong sense of togetherness and unity, making it a heartwarming experience to be part of.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Experience the rich cultural traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The festival offers an immersive experience of the vibrant cultural traditions of Meghalaya through the vivacious dances, intense sports, and fascinating rituals like the chasing away of the demon of plague. It is an awesome opportunity to observe and learn about the customs and traditions that have been preserved and passed down from generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'> Connection with nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Participants get the chance to appreciate the captivating beauty of Meghalayan landscapes with visits to the sacred forest of Ialong, which hosts major festival activities. This not only offers tranquillity and contemplation but highlights the close-knit relationship between the local people and their environment.</p></div></div>

5 Astonishing Facts about Behdienkhlam Festival

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Behdeinkhlam is one of the few festivals without animal sacrifices</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many traditional festivals, Behdeinkhlam does not include animal sacrifices. It is revered for its commitment towards non-violence and respect for all forms of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Behdienkhlam is primarily celebrated by the Pnars or Jaintia tribes</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it attracts people from all over the world, it is the Jaintia tribe people who are the original patrons and primary participants, maintaining the festival's rich cultural legacy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Behdienkhlam involves a ceremonial plunge of "Khadsynrw" into muddy waters</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the climax moments of the festival is sinking the Khadsynrw, a symbol representing evil, into muddy waters. This important ritual signifies washing away of negativity and sins.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The festival incorporates a unique soccer-like game called "Datlawakor"</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Datlawakor" is path-breaking as a unique sport where both men and women participate, breaking the typical norms of indigenous games. A wooden ball is used instead of the regular soccer ball in this inclusive activity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>All participants wear traditional attire during Behdienkhlam</h3><p class='facts-content'>From dancers to spectators, everyone at the festival can be seen wearing vibrant traditional attires, adding to the overall exuberance and cultural aesthetics of the event.</p></div></div>