Earthen lamps illuminating Kati Bihu glory

Millions of earthen lamps illuminated the proliferating paddy fields across Assam as the rural folks in the north eastern state observed Kati Bihu with traditional Hindu religious favouritism on Wednesday. 

Folks in rural and urban areas alike observed the low profile occasion by worshipping tulsi plants in every household to appease the goddess Laxmi for bountiful paddy. 

Earthen lamps are lined up to be lit in the paddy fields towards the evening. Apart from preparing some traditional food items Ro be served to the near and dear ones, Women folks in many parts are organizing functions to mark the occasion. 

“We the villagers have lit up 10,000 earthen lamps in the paddy field and households to mark the occasion. We are caught in this period of crises of confidence apart from the materials to run the domestic life. May these earthen lamps help us illuminate the hearts of all to stand unite in the period of crises and constraints,” said Banashree Deka, the leader of a social organization in Jorhat. 

“The occasion is a low profile one. Since it is an occasion to pray to the Almighty to help us overcome crisis and constraints, we pray to the God to be kind,” said Amiyo Gohain, s villager at a remote area of Sivasagar district. 

“The occasion is simply religious. But we can't deny yhd scientific point of view. Since the paddy fields, mostly, full of swarms and flies to harm the rice cultivation in this crucial period. The earthen lamps at night is only the way to deal with these disturbing elements,” said Ajan Bezbarua of Nagaon who visited the rice field in the morning.