The four-day festival of Behdeiñkhlam concluded in Jowai today with thousands of people in attendance around the Aitnar pool.
Amid offering of prayers and chanting of couplets, 12 artistically designed Rots that carry a strong message for preservation and protection of the environment and the mother earth besides the importance of combating social evils were immersed at the pool.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh attended the closing day in the presence of MLAs Shanbor Shullai, Wailadmiki Shylla, Santa Mary Shylla, MDCs, Deputy Commissioner Batlang S. Sohliya, SP Chemphang Syrti, President of Seiñraij Jowai H. Toi besides others.
In his address, the Chief Minister praised the rich cultural heritage of the state. He informed that funds have been sanctioned for the construction of the Iawmusiang Shopping Complex and works will commence soon.
Sangma expressed gratitude to the Seiñraij Jowai for donating land for construction of a parking lot in Jowai.
Behdeiñkhlam is celebrated annually after the sowing period is over in order to secure a good harvest and chase away disease.
In the evening ‘Datlawakor’, a football match played with a rounded wooden ball, was played where the Langdoh defeated the Sangot Paswet team.
It is believed that the side that wins will be blessed with a good harvest of the year.
