The Behdienkhlam Festival 2026, one of the most important indigenous festivals of Meghalaya, is being celebrated by the Pnar (Jaintia) community in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, during July 2026. The festival is observed after the sowing season to invoke divine blessings for a good harvest, prosperity, and protection from diseases and evil spirits. The name Behdienkhlam literally means “driving away plague or disease” in the Pnar language.
In 2026, the festival also drew national attention with the participation of the Chief Minister of Assam, highlighting the importance of cultural unity and cooperation among the Northeastern states.
Key Highlights
- Celebrated by the Pnar (Jaintia) tribe, followers of the indigenous Niamtre faith.
- Held mainly in Jowai (West Jaintia Hills) and Tuber Kmai (East Jaintia Hills).
- Symbolizes the driving away of evil spirits and epidemics and seeks blessings for a bountiful harvest.
- A major attraction is the immersion of beautifully decorated wooden structures (Rots) into the sacred Aitnar pool.
- The festival concludes with Datlawakor, a traditional football-like game played with a wooden ball, symbolizing unity and community spirit.
Prelims Facts
- State: Meghalaya
- Community: Pnar (Jaintia)
- Religion: Niamtre (Indigenous faith)
- District: West Jaintia Hills (Jowai)
- Season: July (after sowing)
- Meaning of Behdienkhlam: “Driving away disease/plague”
Practice MCQ
Q. Behdienkhlam Festival, recently seen in the news, is primarily celebrated by which community?
A. Garo
B. Khasi
C. Pnar (Jaintia)
D. Bodo
Answer: C. Pnar (Jaintia)
Q. Who attended the Behdienkhlam Festival 2026 as the Chief Guest?
A. Conrad K. Sangma
B. Pabitra Margherita
C. Himanta Biswa Sarma
D. Droupadi Murmu
Answer: C. Himanta Biswa Sarma
Q. The participation of the Chief Guest at the Behdienkhlam Festival 2026 highlighted:
A. The launch of a new tourism policy for Meghalaya
B. Cultural unity and cooperation among the Northeastern states
C. The declaration of Behdienkhlam as a UNESCO World Heritage Festival
D. The inauguration of a new sports stadium in Jowai
Answer: B. Cultural unity and cooperation among the Northeastern states
Q. The Behdienkhlam Festival is celebrated mainly to:
A. Mark the beginning of the hunting season
B. Celebrate the harvest after its completion
C. Drive away diseases and evil spirits while praying for a good harvest
D. Commemorate the victory of a tribal king
Answer: C. Drive away diseases and evil spirits while praying for a good harvest
Q. Which traditional game marks the conclusion of the Behdienkhlam Festival?
A. Wangala Dance
B. Datlawakor
C. Shad Suk Mynsiem
D. Nongkrem Dance
Answer: B. Datlawakor
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Behdienkhlam Festival:
- It is celebrated by the Pnar (Jaintia) community of Meghalaya.
- The festival is associated with prayers for a good harvest and protection from diseases.
- It is celebrated mainly in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3