Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is a significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. This festival falls in the Assamese calendar month of Kati, which usually corresponds to mid-October. Kati Bihu is an agricultural festival that revolves around the worship of the sacred plant, "Tulsi" (Basil), and is primarily observed by the farming communities in Assam.
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| KATI BIHU 2023 |
The word "Kongali" translates to "poor" or "scarce," signifying the time of the year when farmers often face shortages and difficulties due to the lean period between planting and harvesting crops. Kati Bihu is a time for farmers to seek blessings and protection for their crops as they anxiously await a successful harvest.
The festival typically involves several rituals and customs:
1. Lighting of Akaxor Ghora: On the night of Kati Bihu, villagers light oil lamps or diyas on the tips of bamboo poles called "Akaxor Ghora" and place them in their fields. This is believed to ward off pests and harmful insects from the crops.
2. Tulsi Worship: The main focus of Kati Bihu is the worship of the sacred Tulsi plant. Women offer prayers and perform rituals around the Tulsi plant in their courtyards. This is believed to protect the family and ensure a bountiful harvest.
3. Traditional Music and Dance: The Bihu dance, a traditional Assamese dance form, is an integral part of the Kati Bihu celebrations. Dancers, often young men and women, perform the Bihu dance to the beat of traditional instruments like the dhol (drum) and pepa (buffalo hornpipe).
4. Lighting of Earthen Lamps: Earthen lamps are lit on the night of Kati Bihu to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and to ward off evil spirits.
5. Community Bonding: Kati Bihu is not only a time for religious rituals but also an occasion for social bonding. Villagers come together to exchange wishes, seek blessings from elders, and enjoy traditional Assamese dishes.
Kati Bihu is a festival that beautifully combines religious devotion with agricultural significance. It reflects the deep-rooted connection between the people of Assam and their dependence on agriculture. The festival serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by farmers during the critical period between sowing and harvesting, and the importance of coming together to seek protection for their crops and a successful yield.
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