Kati Bihu, also known as Kangali Bihu, is a festival
observed in Assam
and is also known as the poor man’s Bihu. Kati Bihu is observed on the last day
of Ashwin Month. In 2024, Kati Bihu is on October 18. Kati Bihu takes its name
from the Kartik month which starts from the next day.
It is the time of when the agricultural crops especially the
paddy begins to grown. It is known as Poor Man’s Bihu because there is little
to eat during the period.
On the day of Kati Bihu, special prayers and offerings are
made to Tulsi plant. Earthen lamps or diyas are lit near the Tulsi plant.
Prayers are made for improved yields of crops. In some regions, the lamps are
lit for an entire month (the Kartik month).
Farmers on the day hung lights from bamboo poles, known as
Akash Banti or Sky Lamp, in their farm to keep out pests and other insects.