Guwahati, November 8:Banana farmers and bamboo traders in Assam are witnessing brisk business during Diwali as people purchase banana plants and bamboo sticks to observe traditional festive rituals.

As part of the age-old custom, people in Assam place earthen lamps (diyas) on banana plants and bamboo sticks at the entrances of their homes during Diwali. The tradition continues to be widely followed across the state.

Markets in Guwahati witnessed a steady rush of customers buying banana plants, bamboo sticks, earthen lamps and firecrackers. The banana plants and bamboo sticks are brought to city markets from districts such as Kamrup, Nalbari and Morigaon.

Hemen Baruah, a resident of Ganeshguri, said he purchased two banana plants for Rs 300. He noted that people earlier collected banana plants from nearby hills, but traders now source them from other districts due to their reduced availability locally.

Trader Chanakya Deka said he had brought banana plants from Kamrup and had already made sales worth Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 since arriving in the market.

Meanwhile, residents were busy preparing for the festival. Adrita said she had purchased rangoli colours and diyas and planned to buy firecrackers. Another resident, Suraj, said he had bought flowers and firecrackers and intended to purchase a banana plant, although prices were relatively high during the festive season.

Similar preparations are underway in other parts of Assam, with people gearing up to celebrate Diwali while keeping traditional customs alive.