Kati Bihu, a festival celebrated in Assam, marks the beginning of the new harvest season and is one of the three most important festivals in Assam, the other two being Bhogali Bihu and Rongali Bihu. This festival usually falls in the middle of October and on the first day of the month of Kati according to the Assamese calendar. There is a tradition of lighting earthen lamps on this day. Kati Bihu is also known as Kongali Bihu and is one of the grandest observances of the state. On this day people light earthen lamps outside their homes and the holy basil plant is decorated with garlands and lights.
This time it will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 18. Many beliefs and traditions related to this festival make it special. It is also known as Kongali Bihu. These festivals are related to farmers. Bihu festival is celebrated thrice in a year- Bohag Bihu, Magh Bihu and Kati Bihu at the end of the year.
Why Kati Bihu is celebrate?
All the three Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam are somehow related to nature. Kati Bihu is also one such festival. By the time of October, the grain kept in the houses starts running out, so the residents of Assam light earthen lamps near their grain stores, basil and paddy fields during this time. There is a belief behind this that God, will bless farmers with grain stores which are now empty, bless us again by giving a good harvest. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshiped in this festival.
How do you celebrate the festival?
This festival is celebrated with great pomp in Assam. During this festival, farmers light sky lamps in their fields with bamboo sticks. These sky lamps are lit to show the souls the way towards heaven.
Some greetings for friends on Kati Bihu festival…
1. As we light up the lamps outside our homes, hope your life also lights up with new dreams and achievements.
Happy Kati Bihu
2. On the auspicious occasion of Kati Bihu, we wish you a bright future. May all your dreams come true. This is a prayer to God.
Happy Kati Bihu
3. May the new harvest season bring happiness and prosperity in your life, wishing you a very Happy Kati Bihu
4. Let us resolve to remove the negativity around us and move forward with hope and courage.
Happy Kati Bihu
