Shillong, July 9: Governor Phagu Chauhan attended the Behdieñkhlam festival in Jowai in the presence of Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court Sanjib Banerjee.
Amid offering of prayers and chanting of couplets, the festival culminated at the Aitnar sacred pool, around 65 km from Shillong. Together with thousands of faithful of Niamtre, the governor witnessed the festivities on the concluding day oand showed interest in the religious rituals associated with the event.
In his brief address, the governor, while praising the rich cultural heritage of the state, appreciated the celebration of Behdeinkhlam which will go a long way in keeping alive the culture and traditions of people, he said.
The governor also expressed hope that the festival while bring unity, peace and prosperity to the people and the state.
Behdeinkhlam, which literally means “chasing away the demon of plague”, 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.
