The four-day festival of Behdeiñkhlam concluded in Jowai today with thousands of people in attendance around the Aitnar pool.
Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan attended the closing day in the presence of the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla and others.
Amid offering of prayers and chanting of couplets, the grand festival culminated at the sacred Aitnar pool. Together with thousands of faithfuls 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 brief address, Chauhan praised the rich cultural heritage of the state, including the grand celebration of Behdeiñkhlam, which will go a long way in keeping alive the culture and traditions of people. He also expressed hope that the festival would bring unity, peace and prosperity to the people and the state as a whole.
Behdeiñkhlam is celebrated annually after the sowing period is over in order to secure a good harvest and chase away disease.
The festival, organised by the Sein Raij Jowai, began on July 6.
