Meghalaya is mainly inhabited by the tribal people and they worship elements of nature as Gods and Goddesses like most tribal people. Behdienkhlam is one such festival that involves warding off the evil forces symbolized by the demons. Since Plague is a fatal disease that the inhabitants of Meghalaya fear, it is believed that evil resides in the form of the disease and needs to be driven off by beating the household roofs with bamboo poles. “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the evil people, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it”.
But it is not a dangerous place for the tribes of Meghalaya because they attempt to tee off the evil spirits and so acquire peace and comfort through their endeavor. The plague has taken off copious tribal lives and so is regarded as a demon. The women of the Jaintia Hills scarcely take part in dancing because the sacrificial offering to their ancestors depends on them. There is a lengthy ritual procedure for the Behdienkhlam Carnival. You can partake in this festival with our Meghalaya tour packages, which are customizable and you can design the itinerary according to your requirements. Contact us for more information and to book a tour with us!
Description of the Behdienkhlam Festival:
At the end of the grand celebration, there is a fight for a large stripped beam by two groups of men. They congregate in a place known as Aitnar and they sing to the tune of pipes while dancing at the same time; the dancers display tremendous emotional display when the Rots and wooden posts are brought in the pool in front of them. If it rains, then the day is regarded as extremely auspicious.
After this, the people unite to a place also known as Mynthong in their best attires to witness a ceremony synonymous with Football. This game is also known as the Dad-Lawakor. The contest is generally held between the Northern and the Southern Groups of people and it is believed that the group that wins would get a Bumper Harvest the following Year.
When Behdienkhlam Festival is Celebrated:
The Behdienkhlam Festival is held every year during the months of June and July.
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