Meghalaya Govt indecisive so far on Behdienkhlam festival

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 22, 2020

The state government will soon take a call on whether to allow celebration of the Behdienkhlam, which is an annual festival of the pnar people in the state, this year in view of the prevailing situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Behdienkhlam is considered to be one of the important festivals of the State and is being celebrated during mid-July every year after the sowing season is over.

When asked, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the Seinraij Jowai, a religious organization of the Niamtre or traditional faith, has sought permission for organizing the festival.

He said that the state government has directed the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills to hold consultation with the leaders of the Seinraij Jowai and to submit a report on the matter.

“Based on the inputs to be provided by the DC in his report, the government will accordingly take a call (on whether to allow celebration of the Behdienkhlam),” Tynsong said.

Admitting that such festivals have always attracted thousands of people including faithful as well as tourists, the deputy CM however said standard operating procedures (SOPs) will have to be in place.

“We have to regulate the number of participants as you know large gatherings are not safe due to COVID-19. We also know that the Behdienkhlam this year will not be a normal one (as strict protocols have to be followed),” Tynsong said.

Earlier in April this year, the Chad Sukra also known as the sowing festival was celebrated with restraints amid the lockdown. All public cultural activities related to the festival were being restricted indoors.