The Jaintia (Pnar) people

The Pnar (Jaintia) speak a language close to Khasi but keep a distinct identity built around the old Jaintia kingdom and its Syiem institutions. Their hills hold the great monolith fields of Nartiang and the purifying festival of Behdienkhlam, where painted wooden khnongs are beaten into the Aitnar pool.

Pnar country runs from Jowai to the Dawki river line, with matrilineal customs paralleling the Khasi.

Ask before photographing people or rituals, dress modestly at festivals and ceremonies, accept hospitality graciously, and let local hosts lead. Culture here is lived, not performed: curiosity with manners opens every door.