Operation Sindoor dominates Behdienkhlam festival in Jowai

Shillong, July 15: Atleast two localities of Jowai-Ummulong and Loompyrdi- showcased the theme of Operation Sindoor when they took out their rots  amid rain to Aitnar, the sacred pool, on July 14.

Other themes included depression, pollution of environment, and addiction to digital devices among others.

Through one rot, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was displayed but with caution.

The message conveyed that the artificial intelligence may lead to decline in human intelligence.

Large number of people took part in the four-day festival of the Pnar people which was also witnessed by tourists.

Khlam means plague or pestilence and Beh Dien means to drive away the plague with sticks and prayers.

The main part of the festival was the making of the Dein Khlam and Khnong which are rounded, polished and straight tree trunks from the forest.

Earlier in the day, the Symbud Khnong (a log ) was brought and thousands of people thronged to touch it as it is believed that by touching the Khnong, it will protect them from sicknesses besides bringing  prosperity

The culmination of the celebrations was the carrying of a long Khnong by the niamtre faithful to Aitnar.

Pynthorwah defeats  Pynthornein

On Monday evening,  ‘datlawakor’, a football match was played with a wooden ball between two teams from the upper and lower parts of the Myntdu river.

The team that wins is believed to be blessed with a good harvest of the year.

The Daloi (traditional chief) acted as referee in the match in which Pynthorwah defeated Pynthornein.

A missed opportunity for Sitharaman 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman missed the opportunity to witness the festival as she left the state on July 13 whereas the culmination of the festival was on July 14.

Some of the Jowai residents felt that the government should have prepared the itinerary of the union minister to include the festival. She had toured mostly in East Khasi Hills.

In the past,several union ministers had witnessed the festival.

When asked, chief guest deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said since the union minister had to leave on July 13, she could not attend the festival.

Besides Dhar, others who attended were  Rajya Sabha member WR Kharlukhi, cabinet ministers Ampareen Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla, Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai besides others.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhar expressed pride in the festival’s ability to bring people together, transcending religious boundaries.

Dhar stressed the importance of unity in making the festival a success, thanking people from different religions for participating in the celebrations.

He appreciated the growing strength of the festival, which is celebrated in various places.

The chief guest also thanked Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for his support in improving the sacred pool, a significant aspect of the festival.

Kharlukhi expressed pride in the transformation witnessed in Jowai and wished the people on the occasion.

Ampareen accepts apology 

Umshangiar Behdeinkhlam group has apologised to Ampareen after her escort vehicle was damaged during the procession of the group.

Earlier, police started an enquiry and a few people were called for questioning .

However, after the apology, the minister did not want to pursue the matter.