Kati Bihu celebrated in Assam: Paschim Nagaon Pathar in Jagiroad Illuminated by Akash Banti
By Dalim Phukan
Morigaon/ Assam,Oct 18 : With prayers for the prosperity of farming communities, protection of crops and a prosperous future for farmers, the Morigaon District Agriculture Department centrally celebrated Kati Bihu at Paschim Nagaon Pathar under the Jagiroad Agricultural Development Circle on Sunday. The programme was organised in collaboration with the district administration and the Jagiroad unit of the Krishak Morcha.
The celebration beautifully reflected the age-old traditions of Kati Bihu and the faith and beliefs of Assam’s agrarian society. Despite hardships and scarcity, Kati Bihu symbolises the patience, perseverance and optimism of the Assamese people, who light lamps of hope while dreaming of prosperity in the days ahead.
Closely associated with agriculture, this sacred festival is marked by the lighting of earthen lamps near Tulsi plants and the illumination of Akash Banti (sky lamps) in agricultural fields. These traditional practices symbolise prayers for crop protection, better agricultural productivity and the well-being of farming communities.
Preserving this age-old tradition and praying for the overall welfare of Morigaon district and the prosperity of its farmers, District Agriculture Officer Dilip Kumar Bora ceremonially lit the Akash Banti in the field and an earthen lamp near the Tulsi plant.
The programme was attended by Pankaj Borbora, president of the State Krishak Morcha; Dilip Sharma, secretary of the organisation; Apurba Deka, special representative of Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika; Nayanmoni Barua, president of the Morigaon unit of the Krishak Morcha; and Rupjyoti Rajkumar, president of the Jagiroad unit of the Krishak Morcha, as chief guests.
The glow of the lamps illuminated Paschim Nagaon Pathar, creating an atmosphere of spirituality, hope and reverence for agriculture.
Another significant aspect of the programme was the creation of awareness among farmers about the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). Special initiatives were undertaken to highlight the potential of oil palm cultivation and encourage farmers to take up this alternative agricultural activity.
Emphasising the importance of diversifying agricultural practices and exploring opportunities to increase farmers’ incomes, the organisers stressed the need for such awareness initiatives.
The programme was conducted by Agricultural Sub-Inspector Dibyajyoti Hazarika. Assistant Director of Agriculture Asim Kumar Nath, along with sub-divisional agriculture officials, agricultural development officers, agricultural extension assistants and other departmental officials and employees, attended the event.
Organised with prayers for the happiness and prosperity of farmers and the advancement of the agricultural sector, the Kati Bihu celebration once again highlighted the close and enduring relationship between agriculture and Assamese folk traditions.
