Bihu Festival

Why is in news? Kati Bihu being observed across Assam

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”).

Kati or Kongali Bihu, marks a crucial phase of the year for every farming household in terms of the beginning of the harvest season and the relocation time of rice saplings.

People of Assam will light lamps outside their homes as well as in paddy fields in the evening praying for a better crop in the next season.

People also plant a Tulsi outside their homes and worship Goddess Lakshmi.

Kati Bihu festival is also celebrated in Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala though called by various names.

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 BihuThe 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 monthBohag Bihu marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendarThe 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-JanuaryIt 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.