On October 18, 2023, people celebrate Kati Bihu, which signals the start of the new harvest season and the growth of the rice crop.
The people of Assam, a state in northeastern India, celebrate a major celebration called Kati Bihu, also called Kongali Bihu. It usually occurs in the middle of October on the first day of the “Kati” month. On October 18, 2023, people celebrate Kati Bihu, which signals the start of the new harvest season and the growth of the rice crop. The history, customs, and significance of Kati Bihu are examined in this article.
Kati Bihu 2023
The event starts with the washing and placing on an earthen platform called “Tulsi Bheti” of a sacred plant, generally tulsi. Families pray to Goddess Tulsi and provide offerings in hopes of achieving a bountiful harvest and the well-being of their family. Throughout the entire month of Kati, this practise is maintained. A meditative atmosphere is created throughout the house by the lighting of lamps and candles, especially close to the sacred Tulsi plant.
The past of Kati Bihu.
Kati Bihu is a solemn festival that mainly honours the month’s limitations and the previous year’s memories. It marks the beginning of Assamese sowing season. The spreading rice fields and empty granaries represent the period’s scarcity, which is why it is known as “Poor” or “Kongali.”
Importance of the 2023 Kati Bihu
Along with Rongali and Bhogali festivals, Kati is one of the three main celebrations in Assam. It honours the significance of the harvest and helps people rediscover their agricultural heritage. It is reminiscent of past customs when traditional lamps were lit and garlands and lights were used to decorate Tulsi plants, acting as organic insecticides for the fields.
Events Leading Up to Kati Bihu 2023
Light a Lamp: In remembrance of Goddess Tulsi, traditional clay lamps are lit to represent manifestation, hope, and the welfare of the family.
Take up Bihu Dancing: Take part in the festivities by learning this ancient dance of Assam, which is both culturally enlightening and a fantastic form of fitness.
Before you eat, say a prayer of thanksgiving for the farmers who cultivate the food and for the food on your plate. The main focus of Kati Bihu is harvesting rice, and prayers are said to bless the land and ensure a bountiful crop.
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Customs & Practises of the Bihu Kati Festival
The Meal Feat: On gloomy days, the southern Assamese prefer pigeon meat, whilst the northern Assamese prefer duck meat.
The “gamosa Gift”: An Assamese hand towel is given to guests at their houses.
The Tri-Holiday Celebration: The three Assamese Bihu holidays are Rongali, Bhogali, and Kati Bihu.
The Touch of Tulsi: To highlight the importance of the venerated Tulsi plant, earthen lights known as Saaki are placed around it.
The Assamese traditional dance known as Bihu, which symbolises communal solidarity even in non-celebratory times, wraps out the day as “The Dance of Persistence.”