Behdienkhlam 2027
Jowai’s big monsoon festival, with giant decorated raths and the gathering at Aitnar.
- When
- Usually the first half of July, over four days
- Where
- Aitnar, Jowai
- Dates
- Not announced yet
Behdienkhlam is the monsoon festival of the Pnar people in Jowai, about two hours from Shillong. It ends with processions of huge decorated structures (raths) and a lively gathering at Aitnar.
In 2026 it was held on 6–9 July; in 2025 on 11–14 July. Dates follow the traditional calendar and are announced each year.
Photos from past years
Behdienkhlam Festival in Jaintia Hills Behdienkhlam Festival in Jaintia Hills Behdienkhlam Festival in Jaintia Hills Behdienkhlam is a festival celebrated primarily by the Pnar people of Meghalaya, India
Background
Behdienkhlam is a festival celebrated primarily by the Pnar people of Meghalaya, India. The festival is celebrated annually in July and is an important dance festival of the Jaintia people. The festival is an invocation to God for warding off evil spirits and diseases and a blessing for a good harvest.
From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. We check local news and the government three times a day and will put the dates here as soon as they're confirmed.
Tips for visitors
- The last day is the one to see.
- Pair it with Krang Suri Falls, about 30 minutes from Jowai.
Going for Behdienkhlam?
Rooms and cabs fill up on festival days. Tell us your dates and we'll plan the trip around it.
Also coming up
All events- Oct~Dates not announced yet·Smit, near Shillong
Nongkrem Dance Festival
Usually late October or November, over five days · The Hima Khyrim’s harvest thanksgiving, with the goat sacrifice ceremony and Khasi dances at Smit.
- Nov~Dates not announced yet·Near Tura, West Garo Hills
Wangala (100 Drums Festival)
Usually the second week of November · Preparations are underway at Garo Heritage Village in Chibragre for the 1000 Drums Wangala Festival in November.
- Nov12In 3 weeks·Ward’s Lake, Shillong
Shillong Literary Festival 2026
12–14 Nov · The Shillong Literary Festival 2026 is a three-day celebration of literature, ideas, storytelling, and creativity, set to take place in Shillong in November 2026.







