Assam's third Bihu festival, known as Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu, was being celebrated across the state on Thursday, officials said.
Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal extended their prayers and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Kati Bihu hoping that the festival will bring in peace and prosperity in the state, an official release said here.
On the occasion of Kati Bihu, women, both in urban and rural areas, try to ward off evil and pray for a rich harvest by lighting earthen lamps, officials said.
The festival derives its name from the Assamese month of Kati officials said, adding, this is a much sombre festival when compared to the other two Bihu festivals of the state - the Rongali and Bohagi Bihu.
The festival is held at this time of the year since the granaries of the farmers usually remain empty and therefore it is known as Kongali (poor) Bihu.
As a part of the festival, farmers also tie a special kind of lamp, known as Akash Bati, to poles and the poles are placed in the paddy fields, they said.