Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi greeted the people of the state on the occasion of 'Kati Bihu' festival today.
The Chief Minister hoped that just as the light from the lamp drives away darkness, similarly the festival would drive away violence, hatred and negativity and usher in peace, prosperity, progress and development in the state.
''I also pray that the paddy fields of Assam overflow with grains and people enjoy a golden harvest'', Gogoi said in a statement here.
Kati Bihu is also called Kongali Bihu, meaning poor, as by this time of the year most agrarian households have consumed most of its earlier harvest and the granaries are almost empty.
Unlike the other two Bihus, Kati Bihu does not involve merry-making or feasting but is observed by lighting earthen lamps near the household 'tulsi' or basil plant, granary, garden and paddy fields.
Farmers also swirl a piece of bamboo and recite chants and spells to ward off pests and protect the maturing paddy.
