Behdeinkhlam festival to be bereft of fanfare; rituals to be restricted

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The annual Behdeinkhlam festival of the indigenous Khasi-pnar faithfulls will be bereft of the usual dance and gaiety at Aitnar in Jowai this time due to the COVID-19 protocols. The ritual of carrying the nine rods (raths) that have always been brought as symbols to the pool to invoke the Almighty's blessings for chasing away plagues will not be done this year.

Speaking to The Sentinel, the president of Sein Rain Jowai, O Challan on Saturday said that the festival will not be the same this time. "Our rituals are being conducted in different areas under the mandate that there should not be more than five persons, even as he added that there will be no symbolic raths to be immersed in the 'Air mar' sacred pool.

The actual rituals kickstarted on the July 4. According to Challam, all have been advised to adhere to the five-person norm in thier respective areas. On being asked on the accompanying religious festival that is lacking the fervour, Challam said, "Our rod is in our hearts... Nobody has any hard feelings during this pandemic time; but the entire customary and rituals will be completed by the eighth of this month."

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