Celebrating Kati Bihu 2014 : Assam

On the eve of the Assamese month of Kati , Kati Bihu is being observed all over Assam today with traditional rituals. This Bihu is also called Kangali Bihu, its observed by Assamese people traditionally with the object to ensure more crops. At this time, paddy crops start maturing and insects also start attacking the paddy fields in swarms. Hence people lit earthen lamps at the paddy fields and akashbantis (sky lamps) to destroy insects. On this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi is also prayed at the fields and at the courtyards with the pleas to ensure a rich harvest. In every household courtyards, earthen lamps are lit in front of the Tulasi (the Holy Basil) plant. Women and children hold naam-prasanga in front of the Tulasi plant. Akashbantis are also lit in the courtyards and these are covered with coloured papers. The earthen lamps & Akashbantis are lit throughout the Kati month.