Kati Bihu festival celebrated in Assam: Key Facts

October 24, 2020

Kati Bihu is celebrated in Assam and is one of the three Bihu festivals. The Kati Bihu is also called as Kangali Bihu, the festival of the poor (the word “Kongal” means “poor”). It is celebrated in mid-October when the crops are at growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are empty.

About Kati Bihu

Bihu is associated with agriculture and rice. On Kati Bihu festival day, earthen lamps are lit in households. During ancient times, earthen lamps were lit all around the paddy crops to captivate the insects. Therefore, it acted as a natural insectide. In the evening, cows and bulls are fed with food made from rice items and this is called pitha.

Different Types of Bihu

There are three different types of Bihu festivals namely Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Bhogali Bihu.

Bohag Bihu: It is also known as Rongali Bihu. The most popular Bihu celebrates the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the arriving of spring. The Bohag Bihu is celebrated in middle of April month. Bohag Bihu marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar. The folk songs related with the Bohag Bihu are known as Bihugeets or Bihu songs.

Bhogali Bihu: Bhogali Bihu is also known as Magh Bihu. It is originated from the word ‘Bhog’ that is eating and enjoyment. It celebrated in Mid-January. It is a harvest festival. It signs the end of harvesting season. During this season, there is a lot of feasting and eating, as the granaries are full.