The mid-October's Kongali Bihu (also called Kati-Bihu) has a different flavour
as there is less merriment and the atmosphere has a sense of constrain and solemnity.
During this time of the year, the paddy in the fields are in the growing stage
and the granaries of the farmers are almost empty. On this day, earthen lamps
(saki) are lit at the foot of the household tulashi plant, the granary, the
garden (bari) and the paddy fields.
To protect the maturing paddy, cultivators whirl a piece of bamboo and recite
rowa-khowa chants and spells o ward off pests and the evil eye. The Bodo people
light lamps at the foot of the siju (Euphorbia) tree.
This Bihu is also associated with the lighting of akaxi gonga or akaxbonti,
lamps at the tip of a tall bamboo pole, to show the souls of the dead the way
to heaven, a practice that is common to many communities in Asia and Europe.
There is also exchange of sweets and greetings at this time. |
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