The Behdienkhlam Festival is the most well-known cultural festival of Pnars in Meghalaya. The most prominent dance festival of the Jaintia tribes, Behdienkhlam (chasing away the Demon of Cholera), is performed yearly in July following the sowing time. This celebration also serves as an appeal to God, asking for his blessings for a good harvest. This article will explain the Behdienkhlam festival which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Behdienkhlam festival

• Behdienkhlam, the Jaintia tribe's most popular Celebration, is held in July for good health, property, and a bountiful crop.
• Although Behdienkhlam is celebrated throughout the Jaintia hills, the major event takes place in the village of Jowai.
• This event is observed by non-Christian 'Pnar' people who follow either the traditional faith of 'Niamtre' or Hinduism.
• According to folklore, Jowai town was formerly surrounded by dense forest, with no human population.
• It housed five gods, four stones, and a river nymph. The four massive stones are still visible in the four corners of Jowai town.
• The five goddesses asked for God to bring mankind to reside in this place, and thus a nomadic Mongolian tribe came to this woodland.
• The Daloi is performing a series of sacred ceremonies. During the Behdienkhlam Cultural Festival, young men beat the roofs of every home with bamboo sticks to drive away from the bad spirit, pestilence, and sickness.
• The struggle over a giant undressed beam by two opposing groups of people in the celebration's culmination. This causes the hefty beam to go through a muddy trench known as Wah-eit-nar.
• There is a lot of horseplay in this stage of the sport when the contestants spread the mud on each other.
• The ceremonial and ritual are carried out for three days during the celebrations of the Behdienkhlam festival of North East India, and on the last day, in the afternoon, people would assemble in a site called Aitnar and both young and old would dance to the strains of the pipes and drums.
• When tall-decorated constructions called rots and wooden posts called khnongs are carried into the water, the dancers become extremely emotional. It is preferable if there is rain on the celebration day.
• The highlight of this well-known North East Indian event is when people dressed in their finest apparel gather in MyThong to watch a football-like game called dad-lawakor.

Behdienkhlam Festival - Khnongs

Pnar People

• The Pnar, also known as the Janitia, are a Khasi sub-tribe from Meghalaya, India. The Pnar are a matrilineal people.
• They speak the Pnar language, which is related to the Khasi language and belongs to the Austro-Asian language family.
• The Pnar people come from the districts of West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, India. They are known as "Ki Khun Hynniewtrep" (Children of 7-hut).
• Behdienkhlam, Chad Sukra, Chad Pastieh, and Laho Dance are their primary festivals.

Conclusion

The Behdienkhlam Festival is one of the most major events held in Meghalaya. This is a harvest festival held to please the gods and ensure a bountiful crop. The town of Jowai, which is around 60 kilometres from Shillong, has the most fun during the event. It is largely observed by indigenous people in the Jainta area of the state, which has a steep environment. It is observed by both Hindus and followers of the 'Niamtre' religion.

FAQs

MCQs

1. The Behdienkhlam Festival is celebrated by which community in India?

A) Bodo community
B) Khasi community
C) Naga community
D) Mishing community

2. When is the Behdienkhlam Festival typically celebrated?

A) January
B) June
C) July
D) October

3. Which of the following is NOT a major ritual of the Behdienkhlam Festival?

A) Chilli Khlem
B) Pulei Jat
C) Beating of the chariots
D) Lighting of lamps

4. The Behdienkhlam Festival is primarily associated with which god?

A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Vishnu
C) Local deities and spirits
D) Goddess Durga

5. Which of the following is a major attraction for tourists during the Behdienkhlam Festival?

A) Traditional dance performances
B) Horse racing events
C) Archery competitions
D) River rafting

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Behdienkhlam Festival in the cultural life of the Khasi community.

Answer: The Behdienkhlam Festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations for the Khasi community. It is not only a religious occasion but also a social event that reinforces community bonds. The festival's rituals, dances, and prayers are designed to ensure prosperity and good health for the community. The festival reflects the Khasi people's deep connection with nature, their reverence for deities, and their belief in divine intervention for a bountiful harvest. The collective participation in the festival fosters unity, strengthens cultural identity, and ensures the preservation of Khasi traditions. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for younger generations to learn and participate in their ancestral customs.

Q2: How does the Behdienkhlam Festival contribute to the tourism economy of Meghalaya?

Answer: The Behdienkhlam Festival plays a significant role in promoting tourism in Meghalaya. As one of the major cultural events in the region, it attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists every year. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique cultural practices, traditional dances, and rituals of the Khasi people. The influx of tourists during the festival boosts the local economy, particularly in the hospitality, travel, and crafts sectors. Additionally, the festival helps promote Meghalaya as a tourism destination, contributing to the preservation and celebration of its cultural heritage.

Q3: Explain the role of traditional festivals like Behdienkhlam in preserving indigenous cultures in India.

Answer: Traditional festivals like Behdienkhlam play a crucial role in preserving and promoting indigenous cultures in India. These festivals are rich in rituals, folklore, and cultural practices that reflect the beliefs, values, and history of indigenous communities. By participating in such festivals, younger generations are able to connect with their cultural heritage and learn about their ancestral customs. Moreover, these festivals help maintain social cohesion within the community, as they are often organized collectively. Through cultural exchange during festivals, indigenous cultures are also showcased to the broader world, fostering respect and appreciation for diverse traditions. Festivals like Behdienkhlam are vital for sustaining the cultural identity of the Khasi tribe and other indigenous communities in India.

Previous Year Questions on Behdienkhlam Festival

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Behdienkhlam Festival is celebrated in which of the following states?

A) Nagaland
B) Mizoram
C) Meghalaya
D) Tripura

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Behdienkhlam is a festival celebrated by the Khasi community in Meghalaya. It is one of the largest and most significant festivals in the state, known for its vibrant rituals and cultural performances.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Examine the cultural significance of the Behdienkhlam Festival for the Khasi community.

Answer: The Behdienkhlam Festival is deeply intertwined with the religious and social life of the Khasi community. It is a festival of harvest and prosperity, celebrated with intense religious rituals and communal dances. The festival strengthens community bonds, reaffirms spiritual beliefs, and sustains the cultural identity of the Khasi people. It also plays an essential role in passing down traditions and fostering unity among the younger generation.