About Kati Bihu and the Reasons for the Holiday
The first day of the Assamese month of Kati, also known as Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu, marks the beginning of the fortunate festival known as Kati Bihu, which is observed in the state of Assam.
One of Assam’s three Bihu festivities, known as Kati Bihu, takes place in the middle of October.
Kati Bihu is less boisterous and merrier than the other two Bihu holidays.
Given that the granaries are largely empty at this time of year, this Bihu is distinguished by a sense of solemnity.
Kongali, which means “poor,” suggests that there is a lack of food and empty barns. At this time of year, paddy is growing in the fields, and farmers are pleading with God for a plentiful harvest.
On this Bihu, people light clay lamps in front of tulsi plants, granaries, gardens, and rice fields.
The significance of Kati Bihu
The Bihu marks the transfer of the rice crop, a crucial phase in the life cycle of the paddy crop.
Farmers recite rowa-khowa chants, burn candles at the base of their Tulsi plant at home, and twirl a piece of bamboo in their fields to ward off evil spirits and pests.
Assamese peasants will burn Akaxbonti lamps on top of bamboo sticks to direct the spirits of their ancestors to heaven on this day because it is believed that they will visit to bestow blessings. This day is also considered auspicious.
The fundamental principles of this festival have not altered, despite the fact that it is today observed in a totally different manner than it was in the past. The Bihu dance is done at all Bihu festivities, despite the fact that Kati Bihu is mostly about repentance and worship.
The importance of Kati Bihu
The state of Assam comes together to celebrate Bihu, one of the most important festivals, with great fervor and passion, and people’s spirits are at an all-time high. It is a special event since it unites people from various social classes, castes, and religions to enjoy this festive occasion.
•How the event is observed in Assam through rituals and customs:
On the day of Kongali Bihu, people celebrate and greet Goddess Laxmi, who is revered as the giver of wealth to mortal souls.
At the base of the venerated and auspicious Tulsi (basil) plant, which is a part of Hindu religion and culture, sakis (earthen lamps) are lit in the evening.
Every family makes an offering, after which more earthen lanterns are lit in the granaries, gardens, and paddy fields, and prayers are said for a plentiful harvest.
These lamps are said to keep pests and evil spirits away from the fields, resulting in a bountiful harvest, when combined with the whirling of bamboo sticks and recitation of rowa khowa chants.
Additionally, Pitha (rice cakes) are given to the cattle in the evening, and the Akaxbonti lamps (sky lamps) are lit at the bamboo pole’s tip.
It is believed that by performing this sacrifice, the dead will have a clearer road to the heavens.
Following the traditional process of lighting these lamps, people exchange greetings and sweets while visiting one another’s homes.
People are swarming to the daily markets in Assam to purchase the necessities for the Kati Bihu, including Diyas, coconuts, tulsi plants, and other ingredients for Prasad.
“On this auspicious day of Kati Bihu, I pray to God for the well-being of the people, and may the “Diya” under the tulsi plant and the light of the “Akaxbonti lamps” light up the storehouse of the people,” state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on Twitter in his greeting to everyone.
Lessons to Learn From This Festival
Assam is a place where many different tribes and religions coexist together and celebrate vibrant festivals. As a result, a potent event like Bihu strengthens and widens this connection of togetherness among all, bringing happiness and delight to all. The Assamese celebrate Kati Bihu as a pagan holiday in which they worship the natural elements in an effort to have a better and more fruitful harvest and to protect their crops. The festival imparts knowledge about the people’s spirituality and belief in Nature and her abilities as well as in their culture and customs. As a result, the celebration of Kati Bihu encourages a closer relationship with nature and all of its components.
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