Behdiengkhlam celebrated with traditional fervour in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jul 13 (UNI) The indigenous religious festival of the Jaintia tribals - Behdiengkhlam (drive away pestilence) - was celebrated today with pomp and joy at Jowai in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.

The festival featured religious ceremonies and dancing at a pool called 'eit nar' and also included a game called 'datlawakor' in which both the young and the old men play football to the beat of the drums. A wooden ball is used in this game.

The climax of the festival celebrations was the exciting tug-of-war, where a large number of people participated by forming two opposing groups.

The festival is celebrated as an invocation to seek God's blessings for good harvest.

UNI