Kati Bihu - Sunday, October 18, 2026

Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is one of the three major Bihu festivals celebrated in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Unlike the joyous Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu) and the feast-filled Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu), Kati Bihu is a quiet, reflective agricultural festival observed in mid-October during the Assamese month of Kati (Kartika).

Meaning and Cultural Significance

The name “Kongali Bihu” literally means “Bihu of scarcity,” reflecting the lean period in the farming cycle when granaries are nearly empty and farmers await the new harvest. This festival represents hope, patience, and reverence for nature’s cycles—a time when communities pray for a bountiful crop, protection against pests, and prosperity for the year ahead.

Kati Bihu sits between the sowing and harvest seasons, signaling a transitional phase in the agricultural calendar and emphasizing the deep agrarian roots of Assamese culture.

When is Kati Bihu Celebrated?

Kati Bihu typically falls in mid-October according to the traditional Hindu calendar. In 2026, it is observed on October 18. This timing coincides with the growth stage of the rice crop—well planted but not yet ready for harvest.

Traditional Rituals and Customs

1. Lighting Earthen Lamps (Saki)

A central tradition of Kati Bihu is lighting small earthen lamps (sakis) in the evening. These lights are placed near:

• Tulsi (holy basil) plants

• Rice fields

• Granaries and gardens

The illuminated lamps are believed to ward off evil spirits, protect the crops from pests, and bring spiritual blessings for a good harvest.

2. Worship of Tulsi Plant

The sacred Tulsi plant plays an important role. Lamps are lit at its base and prayers are offered for family well-being and agricultural success. Many households keep the tulsi holy throughout the month of Kati.

3. Akash Banti (Sky Lamps)

Farmers erect tall bamboo poles in their fields and place oil lamps at the top—known as Akash Banti. These sky lamps are traditionally believed to:

• Guide ancestral souls

• Protect crops from pests

• Symbolize hope and light in the darker months ahead

4. Prayers and Reflection

Kati Bihu is less about celebrations and more about prayer, gratitude, and spiritual connection. Families often chant mantras, make simple offerings, and seek blessings for a prosperous harvest season.

Food and Simplicity

Unlike other Bihu festivals, Kati Bihu does not focus on grand feasts. Meals are simple and modest, aligning with the somber mood of the festival. Traditional dishes like rice cakes (pithas) may be prepared as offerings rather than festive celebrations.

Symbolism and Essence

Kati Bihu embodies:

• Hope during scarcity

• Respect for agricultural labor

• Unity between humans and nature

• Faith in seasonal cycles

It symbolizes the resilience of Assamese farming life and highlights a community’s spiritual bond with the land.

Kati Bihu in the Context of Bihu Festivals

Kati Bihu is part of Assam’s three Bihu festivals:

Conclusion

Kati Bihu stands out as a festival of hope and humility. In the quiet glow of earthen lamps and the heartfelt prayers of farmers, this festival reminds us of the enduring spirit of agrarian life in Assam—where nature’s rhythms guide culture, belief, and seasonal celebration.