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 Jaintia Hills

Forming the eastern part of the state of Meghalaya, these hills are the home of the Jaintia tribes who belong to the Hynniewtrep of the Austric race. The Jaintia Hills District was created in February 22, 1972.

In topography and scenic beaut, it is similar to the khasi Hills of the State, but nonetheless unique for the distinct cultural identity of its people.

Jowai, headquarters of the jaintia hills District is situated 64 Kms. away from shillonng at 1380 Metres along the shillong silchar highway. A picturesque town circled by the majestic Myntdu river.

Places To Visit In And Around Jowai

Thadlaskein Lake
Enroute from shillong to Jowai, passing through grassy meadows, rice terraces, woods of oak or whispering pine and the meandering Myntdu river, one reaches the historical Thadlaskein lake - 8 Kilometres from Jowai. Legend has it that the lake was dug with the bow tipsof the followers of sajar Nangli, one of Jaintia's foremost war leaders.

Nartiang
About 65 Kms. from shillong and 24 Kms. from jowai is the site of cluster of giant Monoliths, one of which is said to have been the walking stick of Mar Phalyngki, the Goliath of Jaintia legend. There are clusters of monoliths in Nartiang that are among the tallest anywhere in the world. The tallest one is 8 metres high, 2 metres wide and I8 inches thick. There is another one used as a stone bridge laid by the Lab Lyngskor, another hero of the olden days.

Syndai
Is an important village, located in the Jowai - Dawki Road, dotted with a number of Caves and Caverns. Till date eleven independent caves have been discovered near syndai. Collectively these are known as syndai Caves. Caves were used as hide-outs during war times between the Jaintia kings and foreign intruders.

The eleven caves are the Amsohmahatang Cave - the largest of this group, the Rupasor Cave - the second largest of these caves replete with Resplendent stalactites and stalagmites, the Kriah Cave, the Amkoi Cave, the Amkhloo Cave, the Amlashriah Cave the Amthymme Cave, the Amkari Cave, the Lyngngohnah Cave, the Kynda Cave and the chair Cave, These caves have for long been a standing tourist attraction.

Iewmusiang
Is the largest Jaintia market located at Jowai. The market derives its name from the red - stone within the market place. The Sacred-stone continues to be venerated and believers regularly offer"puja" to this stone. The market is held weekly every eighth day.

Festivals

Behdeinkhlam Festival
It is one of Meghalaya's most colourful religious festivals. It is celebrated for three days during july at Jowai. The word literally means driving away of evil (plague) by wooden sticks. It is a very popular and colourful festival of the Jaintias where men only, young and old, take part in the dancing to the beat of drums and tune of flutes. Women do not take part in the dancing.

In the afternoon Datlawakor - a kind of football game, is played between two teams. It is a kind of soccer with a wooden ball.

The climax of the celebrations is the tussle, a tug-of-war for a large undressed beam by two groups of people opposed to each other.

The Jaintias also have another Dance Festival for entertainment. It is called the Laho Dance.Members of both the sexes participate the dance festival, attired in their best finery.