Kati Bihu 2023 Date, Rituals and Significance: What Is Kongali Bihu? From Legends to Traditions, Everything You Need To Know About Festival of Lights, Prayers and Crop Protection

Kati Bihu, a significant Assamese festival, represents a blend of tradition, reverence, and hope. Also known as Kongali Bihu, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the rural areas of Assam. Let's explore the essence of Kati Bihu and what makes it such a unique and cherished occasion.

Kati Bihu 2023 Date and Shubh Muhurat

This year, Kati Bihu will be celebrated on 18 October in 2023. Kati Bihu falls in the Assamese month of Kati, which typically corresponds to mid-October. It is the only Bihu celebrated without feasting and dancing. Instead, it carries a more subdued and spiritual essence.

Significance of Kati Bihu

Kati Bihu is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. On this day, earthen lamps or diyas are lit around the paddy fields and in homes. The lamps are believed to guide the spirits of deceased ancestors, illuminating their path and ensuring their peaceful journey.

Kati Bihu is primarily associated with agriculture and the ongoing paddy cultivation season. As the paddy fields are still in the growing stage, prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest and protection from natural calamities. It is also a time for resource conservation. The oil lamps used are typically made from homemade mustard oil, emphasizing the importance of self-sustainability and reducing reliance on external resources.

Kati Bihu Traditions and Rituals

Lighting Diyas: Families and farmers light earthen lamps and place them around their fields, homes, and tulsi (basil) plants. These lamps symbolize hope and reverence.

Tulsi Worship: The tulsi plant is considered sacred and is an essential part of Kati Bihu. It is worshipped on this day with prayers and offerings.

Offering to Ancestors: Many people offer traditional Assamese food like rice, betel leaves, and betel nuts to their ancestors. These offerings are left under a tulsi tree.

Gathering for Prayer: In some places, communities come together for collective prayers, seeking blessings for a good harvest.

Kati Bihu Celebrations

While Kati Bihu has deep rural roots, it is celebrated in urban areas as well, though the traditions may vary. In cities, the lighting of diyas is a common practice. Residents decorate their homes and local communities with an array of lights, adding a touch of festivity to the urban landscape.

Essence of Kati Bihu

Kati Bihu stands as a testament to the cultural heritage of Assam, rooted in agriculture and spirituality. It reminds people of their connection to the land and their responsibility to protect and nurture it. The lighting of lamps, symbolic of hope and guidance, serves as a reminder of the continuity of life and traditions.

Kati Bihu is a festival of reflection and prayer, where the simple act of lighting a diya carries profound meaning. It reinforces the importance of preserving cultural heritage, respecting the land, and embracing the light of hope, even in the face of challenges.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2023 08:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).