Kati or Kankali or Kongal Bihu

Kati Bihu

Kati Bihu is also known as the Kankali Bihu by some, is an austere affair compared to the colorful Bahag Bihu. It happens in the middle of October. Kati Bihu is celebrated on the first day of ‘Kati’ month in Assamese calendar. The word Kati is also called ‘Kongal’ which means “poor” because there is not much to eat at this time of the year.

Paddy Field

Paddy seedlings begin to grow at the time of the year and are transplanted. Offerings are made to the Tulsi plant and clay lamps called saaki are lit and prayers are offered for a good crop. The Tulsi plant not only carries medical values, but also it supports to a very auspicious in Hinduism.

Tulsi Plant

During the evening the cattle are fed specially made rice items called pitha. In the ceremonies connected with this Bihu, we noticed how the purely agricultural rituals have been superimposed by a series of other cults and practices. The villages of Goalpara district give this Bihu greater significance than others. 

Akabonti Lamp

The Bihu is also associated with the lighting of akabonti lamps at the tip of a tall bamboo poles to show the respect towards their ancestors. Scientifically these lamps used to attract insects of the paddy fields and they fall prey into the fire of these lamps. This helps the crops to be healthy and free from insects.

Offering Prayers To Ancestors

 ‘ Tulokhir tole tole!!
Mrigo pohu sore sore!!

Oi ram kar gore loi harinam!!’

References;

http://onlinesivasagar.com/lifestyle/kati-bihu.html
http://www.assaminfo.com/festivals/11/kati-bihu-or-kongali-bihu.htm#