Behdeinkhlam Festival Blends Ancient Rituals, Modern Messages in Meghalaya

The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was celebrated with fervor today in Jowai, Meghalaya, blending ancient Pnar rituals with modern social themes.
 
Thousands of people gathered as vibrant processions, drumbeats, and towering ‘Rots’ filled West Jaintia Hills. The festival, meaning “driving away the plague,” symbolizes spiritual cleansing and community resilience.
 
This year’s Rots carried powerful contemporary themes: environmental protection, women’s safety, Operation Sindoor, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping society.
 
These themes reflected the community’s collective creativity and social conscience.. Dignitaries, including Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar, attended the festival.