GUWAHATI: Kati Bihu, one of the three Bihus of the Assamese people, will be organised on Wednesday and farmers and agriculturists from across the state will pray for a good harvest.
Agriculture remains one of the main sources of revenue in the state of Assam and paddy is one of the most important crops to be cultivated in the state. Rice is also the staple food not only in the state of Assam but the entire northeastern region. Farmers, agriculturists and the huge number of people depending on farming organise this festival of Kati Bihu. With the event scheduled for the evening of October 18, people from across the state have started their humble preparations for the same.
Kati Bihu is one of the quieter and less festive occasions of the state with people lighting earthen lamps in front of the Tulsi plant, apart from lighting ‘Akaxbonti’ on bamboo sticks in the paddy fields to ward off evil spirits and pests and invoking the Gods for a plentiful harvest. People also light earthen lamps in their fields on this occasion. Kati Bihu also marks the beginning of a month-long tradition of lighting an earthen lamp in front of a tulsi plant.
Along with the rest of the state, preparations for Kati Bihu have started on in full swing since morning on Wednesday in Khaliahamari near Moran in Sivasagar district to celebrate it in the evening.
As the weather changes gradually towards more sunny days, the paddy crops start to mature during this season. During Kati Bihu, people pray for a good harvest from the crops that are still on the field. The harvesting will take place later in the year, towards December end and January beginning, following which the Magh Bihu is celebrated in mid-January as the harvest festival of the state.
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