Shillong, July 9: The Governor of Meghalaya Shri Phagu Chauhan today attended the Behdieñkhlam festival in Jowai in the presence of the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, Justice Shri. Sanjib Banerjee. Amid offering of prayers and chanting of couplets, the grand festival culminated at the Aitnar sacred pool, around 65km from Shillong.
Together with thousands of faithful’s of KaNiamtre, the Governor witnessed the festivities on the concluding day of the festival andshowed interest in the religious rituals associated with the event.
In his brief address, the Hon’ble Governor while praising the rich cultural heritage of the State, appreciated the grand celebration of Behdeinkhlamwhich will go a long wayinkeepingalive the culture and traditions of people, he said.
The Governoralso expressed hope that the festival while bring unity, peace and prosperity to the people and the state as a whole. Behdeinkhlam, which literally means “chasing away the demon of plague”.
The festival is celebrated annually in the last week of June or the first week of July – after the sowing period is over – to appease the harvest gods. The festival, organised by the Sein Raij Jowai has been underway since July 6.
