Kati Bihu is a significant festival celebrated by the Assamese people in the northeastern state of Assam. It falls on the first day of the ‘Kati’ month, which typically occurs in the middle of October. Kati Bihu 2023 is celebrated on 18th October and it marks the beginning of the rice crop’s growth and the start of the new harvest season. This article explores the history, traditions and significance of Kati Bihu. The festival is also known as also known as Kongali Bihu.

The festival begins with the washing and placement of a sacred plant, usually Tulsi, on an earthen platform known as “Tulsi Bheti.” Families offer prayers and make offerings to Goddess Tulsi for the well-being of their family and a successful harvest. This practice continues throughout the month of Kati. Lamps and candles illuminate various parts of the home, particularly near the revered Tulsi plant, creating a spiritual ambience. People offer gifts named “Gamosa,” a hand-made towel to the guests.

Kati Bihu festival primarily focused on the month’s restrictions and remembrance of the past year. It signifies the start of the sowing season in Assam. The empty granaries and growing paddy fields symbolize the scarcity during this time, earning it the nickname “Poor” or “Kongali.”

Kati Bihu is one of the three major festivals in Assam, alongside Bhogali Bihu and Rongali Bihu. It connects people to their agricultural roots and celebrates the importance of the harvest. Lighting traditional lamps and decorating the Tulsi plant with lights and garlands harks back to ancient practices where these lights served as natural pesticides for the fields.

People gather around and celebrate by Assam’s traditional dance, which is not only culturally enriching but also great exercise. Later, express gratitude for the food on your plate and the farmers who grow it. Kati Bihu revolves around rice harvesting and prayers bless the ground and anticipate a fruitful harvest.

Poddar Group of Institutions offer their warm wishes of Kati Bihu and supports their traditions by spreading awareness of key principles of festivals. PGI has also inaugurated Rajasthan's 1sr Centre of Excellence of food & agri-business for management learners, so students can grab more of the best opportunities in the growing market.