Guwahati, Oct 18: Kati Bihu, an annual festival signifying the commencement of the new harvest season, is set to be celebrated on October 18 this year. It typically falls on the initial day of the Kati month in the Assamese calendar, which usually occurs in mid-October.
This festival, observed throughout Assam, carries deep symbolism as it signifies the transplanting of rice crops. Homes are adorned with illuminated lamps, and bamboo paths are created to pay homage to their ancestors.
During Kati Bihu, the holy tulsi plant is purified and placed on a special platform called “Tulsi Bheti.” The festival involves making offerings and offering prayers for the well-being of families and a prosperous harvest. A unique lamp known as the “Akash Banti” or Sky Candle is lit in the paddy fields.
These mustard oil lamps are affixed to bamboo poles and are believed to serve as guides for departed ancestors in the afterlife. All three Bihu festivals hold significant agricultural importance and mark different phases in the farming cycle. Kati Bihu, also referred to as Kongali Bihu, coincides with the transplantation of rice seedlings.
Also Read: Security Forces Detain 2240 Suspects in Manipur Search Operations, Recover Arms and Explosives
This celebration is a reflection of Assam’s rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in agriculture and spirituality, serving as a reminder of the people’s connection to the land and their responsibility to safeguard and nurture it.
The lighting of lamps, symbolizing hope and guidance, serves as a testament to the continuity of life and traditions. The term “Kongali Bihu” is derived from the region’s typically depleted granaries and limited food supplies.
In response to this period of scarcity and hardship, lamps or candles are lit throughout households, with a central lamp placed near the sacred Tulsi plant, symbolizing hope and resilience.
