Shillong ( Meghalaya),July 9 : Governor of Meghalaya Phagu Chauhan today attended the Behdieñkhlam festival in Jowai in the presence of the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, Justice 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 Ka Niamtre, the Governor witnessed the festivities on the concluding day of the festival and showed interest in the religious rituals associated with the event.
In his address, the Governor while praising the rich cultural heritage of the State, appreciated the grand celebration of Behdeinkhlam which will go a long way in keeping alive the culture and traditions of people, he said.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also greeted the people of Meghalaya on the occasion of Behdienkhlam festival.
Behdienkhlam is a festival of chasing away the Demon of Cholera it is celebrated annually in the month of July after the sowing period. This is also one of the most important dance festival of the Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya. Also, this festival is also an invocation to God, seeking his blessings for a bumper harvest.
The festival, organised by the Sein Raij Jowai has been underway since July 6.
