English: Sky lamps (আকাশ বন্তি) at Sri Sri Auniati Satra, Majuli. Lamps in earthen vessels using mustard oil are lit in the Assamese month of Kati at the top of these post structures.

Akash Bonti (Sky Lamps)

As part of the Kati Bihu festival (mid-October), Auniati Satra continues a centuries-old tradition of lighting Akash Bonti—oil lamps set atop tall bamboo poles—symbolizing hope at the close of the planting season. This ritual, observed without interruption since the satra’s founding in 1653, involves erecting bamboo scaffolds and hoisting the lamps by pulley. The monks congregate to perform devotional singing (naam-prasanga), while lay spectators observe respectfully from nearby. In 2021, the satra marked its 368th consecutive celebration by lighting 21 pairs of sky lamps; in 2024, the tradition continued with the 371st observance.