Omarlin Kyndiah

Language is the foundation of a community’s cultural identity, history, and knowledge. A well-designed writing system not only preserves a language but also serves as the primary tool through which children acquire literacy. The Pnar language, also known as Jaintia, possesses a distinctive Roman-based alphabet that accurately represents the sounds of the language.

By Dr Omarlin Kyndiah As the monsoon approaches Jowai prepares yet again to host one of its most profound cultural and spiritual expressions-Behdienkhlam, celebrated this year from July 6-9. Beneath the rhythm of drums, the splendour of decorated rong or rots, and the energy of thousands gathered at Aitnar, lies a deeper story that continues to shape the identity of the Pnar people: a story of divine covenant, ancestral memory, and the enduring philosophy of Niamtre.

As the monsoon approach Jowai prepares once again to host one of its most profound cultural and spiritual expressions-Behdeinkhlam, celebrated this year from 6th to 9th  July 2026. Beneath the rhythm of drums, the splendour of decorated rong or rots, and the energy of thousands gathered at Aitnar, lies a deeper story that continues to shape the identity of the Pnar people: a story of divine covenant, ancestral memory, and the enduring philosophy of Niamtre.