GUWAHATI, Oct 18 � Kati Bihu, the pre-harvest festival marked by austerity was observed across the State today.
People lit earthen lamps in paddy fields as also in household campuses and before the holy plant of tulasi, while praying for a good harvest in the coming season. As the occasion is considered austere, none of the festivities associated with the two preceding Bihus, i.e., Bohag and Magh, find a place in Kati Bihu. The granaries of the villagers remain empty at this time of the year, and hence the prayer for a rewarding harvest. The agriculturists also believe that lighting of lamps in fields is an auspicious omen that keeps off pests and anything that could be potentially damaging for a good harvest.
In the city also, earthen lamps were lit by many people in their residences.
