Ananya Gogoi
(ananyagogoi@gmail.com)
Culture is the very soul of a nation, the lens through which its people interpret their existence and express their collective identity. In this context, the vibrant Assamese culture stands as a testament to the rich landscape of beliefs, traditions, and practices that have flourished in the region. At the heart of this cultural milieu lies Bihu, a celebration that pulses with the rhythm of life itself.
Bihu, with its three distinct variations—Bohag, Kati, and Magh—encapsulates the interplay between the people and the land, offering a window into the spirit and vitality of the Assamese people. Among these, Kati Bihu stands apart for its deep spiritual undertones. Known as Kongali Bihu, or the “festival of scarcity,” it unfolds in a season of transition, where the granaries lie empty, yet the air is filled with hope. This time of year marks a delicate dance between human longing and nature’s rhythms, as farmers pray for the fertility of their fields and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Far from simply acknowledging scarcity, Kati Bihu embodies the enduring hope of abundance, with farmers offering fervent prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
One of the most poignant moments of Kati Bihu is the lighting of lamps at the base of the sacred Tulsi plant. This humble ritual, steeped in reverence and spirituality, connects the people with nature and divinity. According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Tulsi is revered as an earthly manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, intricately entwined with the lore of Lord Krishna’s beloved, Radha. As lamps are lit and prayers whispered, the community enters into a profound communion with the earth, celebrating not just survival but the aspirational cycle of life itself. Kati Bihu also intertwines the sacred and the celestial, as Akasha Banti (sky lamps) are lit to brighten the heavens. This beautiful gesture serves not only as a visual spectacle but as an offering to the gods, invoking their blessings for the months to come. The festival coincides with Kartika Sankranti, a time when the sun enters Libra, marking an auspicious period in the Hindu calendar. The rituals that unfold during this time, such as the Jal Sankranti vow where devotees offer 108 Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu, further illustrate the intricate blending of spiritual practices with seasonal change.
The celebration of Kati Bihu extends beyond its spiritual core, manifesting in the vibrant cultural expressions that fill Assamese villages and towns. Local Naamghars come alive with traditional performances like Nagara Naam, Sankirtana, and Ojapali, showcasing the artistic and musical heritage of the region. These gatherings foster community bonding as people from all walks of life come together to participate in songs, dances, and storytelling that have been passed down through generations. What makes Kati Bihu even more captivating is the way it is celebrated by Assam’s diverse communities. For instance, the Rabha community refers to Kati Bihu as Kati Dal or Katigacha, lighting lamps daily, either in front of the Tulsi plant or near the paddy plants in the field, leading up to the festival. The Deori community celebrates Kati Bihu by performing Lakshmi Puja, with women singing songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. On the first Wednesday of the bright fortnight of Kati Bihu, when the Goddess Lakshmi is believed to grasp the crops in the fields, this puja is observed. The Sonowal Kachari, Karbi, Tea Tribes, Bodo, Matak, Tiwa, and even diverse groups like Muslims and Sikhs celebrate Kati Bihu in their own traditional ways. For example, in Cachar district, celebrants joyfully partake in Goru Bihu on the concluding day of Sankranti during Kati month, engaging in exuberant song and dance that reflects their rich cultural heritage. In rural areas like Dhemaji, Lakshmi Sabhas are held pre- and post-Kati Bihu, where sacred soil from rituals is placed in granaries, symbolising an agricultural promise of fertility. The myriad ways Kati Bihu is celebrated enriches Assamese culture, weaving together threads of spirituality, tradition, and community bonding. This diversity exemplifies how Indian culture emphasises a shared spirituality while enabling regional variations to flourish.
At its core, Kati Bihu resonates with joy and hope, forming an emotional core for its celebrants. It serves as a reminder not only of the cycles of agriculture but also of life itself—a vibrant expression of identity and heritage that continues to shape and define Assamese culture across generations. Through Kati Bihu, we glimpse the depth of cultural practices as reflections of resilience, nature’s reverence, and the harmony that binds communities. In celebrating this festival, the people of Assam honour not just their agricultural roots but the rich fabric of life that sustains their existence, creating a captivating narrative that echoes through time.