Celebrating Kati Bihu: Assam’s Festival of Lights

One such unique and vibrant festival is Kati Bihu, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the northeastern state of Assam.

Kati Bihu falls in the Assamese month of Kati, which generally corresponds to mid-October. It is an agrarian festival celebrated by farmers to mark the critical phase in the cultivation of paddy, the staple crop of Assam. The festival revolves around prayers, rituals, and various customs aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest. Kati Bihu is often considered a precursor to the more well-known Rongali Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year in April.

Prayers for Prosperity: Kati Bihu is all about seeking the blessings of the divine for a good harvest. Farmers and households light lamps and offer prayers to the goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bestow prosperity and wealth upon them.

Observing Akaxi Nirikshan: On the eve of Kati Bihu, a ritual known as Akaxi Nirikshan takes place, during which farmers pray for good weather and a healthy crop. They inspect the sky for signs that may indicate the state of their crops, and this ancient practice is a fascinating blend of tradition and meteorological observation.

Lamp Lighting: The festival is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” because people light earthen lamps or diyas in their fields and homes to drive away evil spirits and bring light into their lives. This tradition is not just symbolic but also practical as it helps protect crops from pests.

Observing Rituals: On the day of Kati Bihu, people tie sacred threads or “Bihuwaan” around the wrists to ward off negativity. They also perform rituals like “Tuloni Biya,” a mock marriage ceremony between a ginger and a turmeric plant, symbolizing the union of earth and water.

Sowing Seeds: Another essential part of Kati Bihu is the sowing of new paddy seeds. This symbolizes the renewal of hope and the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Farmers take this opportunity to sow their fields, believing that it will lead to a prosperous harvest.

Feast and Community Bonding: Like most Indian festivals, Kati Bihu is a time of feasting and merrymaking. Families and friends come together to celebrate by preparing traditional Assamese dishes like “Xandoh,” made from puffed rice and jaggery, and other delicacies.

Kati Bihu is a festival deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of Assam. It is a beautiful blend of ancient rituals and modern agricultural practices, all intertwined to celebrate the hope of a bountiful harvest. The festival’s spirit lies in the unity of the Assamese people, who come together to light up their lives with hope and prosperity. Kati Bihu, often overshadowed by its more famous cousin Rongali Bihu, is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage and the close connection between the people of Assam and the land they cultivate. This Festival of Lights is not just about illuminating the fields; it’s about enlightening the soul and celebrating life’s cycle in all its glory.