Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is one of the three major Bihu festivals of Assam. Unlike Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) and Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu)—which are marked by joyous feasts and vibrant cultural celebrations—Kati Bihu is more somber and reflective. It falls during a crucial phase in the Assamese agricultural calendar, when crops are growing but the granaries are still empty. This makes it a time of prayer, hope, and spiritual devotion.
Kati Bihu 2025 Date and Time
In 2025, Kati Bihu will be observed on October 17. It is celebrated during the Assamese month of Kati (Kartik), usually in mid-October. People often search for “When is Kati Bihu in 2025” or “Kati Bihu 2025 date and time”, especially to align their rituals and prayers.
Kati Bihu Festival Information
Aspect
| Details
|
Festival Name
| Kati Bihu (also called Kongali Bihu)
|
Celebrated In
| Assam, India
|
Date of Celebration
| 17 October 2025 |
Significance
| Marks the beginning of the harvest season; prayers for crop protection |
Other Names
| Kongali Bihu (Kongali = lean or scarce period) |
| Major Rituals | Lighting of lamps (Saki), Tulsi plant worship, fasting, crop prayers |
| Related Crop | Paddy (rice) – crop growing stage, but granaries are empty |
| Cultural Message | Hope, patience, and spiritual connection with nature |
What is Kati Bihu and Why is it Important?
Kati Bihu, celebrated during a lean season, is deeply rooted in Assam’s agrarian lifestyle. It signifies the midway point in the paddy cultivation cycle—a time when the rice is still growing but there’s nothing yet to harvest. Hence, this Bihu is called Kongali Bihu, symbolizing scarcity and austerity.
While it lacks the grandeur of other Assamese festivals in 2025, Kati Bihu’s significance lies in its solemn rituals and its focus on protection of crops, livelihood, and spiritual purity. It highlights the values of gratitude, humility, and faith in natural cycles.
How is Kati Bihu Celebrated?
- Lighting of Lamps (Saki Bihu)
The most iconic ritual of Kati Bihu is the lighting of earthen lamps (called Saki) near Tulsi plants, paddy fields, and granaries. These lamps are placed on bamboo poles (called sunga) and lit at dusk to ward off evil spirits and invite positive energy for a successful harvest.
- Worship of the Tulsi Plant
The Tulsi plant, sacred in Hindu tradition, is central to Kati Bihu rituals. Devotees light lamps and offer prayers near the plant, symbolizing devotion, household prosperity, and protection of the home and crops.
- Fasting and Simplicity
Unlike Bhogali Bihu, which involves lavish feasting, Kati Bihu is observed with restraint. Many families observe fasts or consume simple, vegetarian meals, reflecting the theme of austerity and spiritual focus.
- Prayers for Crops and Livestock
Farmers engage in rituals in the fields, offering prayers to protect growing crops from pests, natural calamities, or disease. Some also pray for livestock, especially cattle, recognizing their importance in the agricultural ecosystem.
Kati Bihu’s Connection with Agriculture
For Assamese farmers, Kati Bihu represents hope during a vulnerable period in the farming cycle. As paddy cultivation progresses, this festival acts as a prayer for protection, ensuring that all their hard work is rewarded with a bountiful harvest.
The lighting of lamps across villages becomes a symbol of resilience, faith, and unity in rural communities.
The Social and Cultural Side of Kati Bihu
While Kati Bihu is more subdued compared to Rongali and Bhogali Bihu, it holds deep cultural value. Families come together in the evenings to light lamps, exchange seasonal greetings, and participate in collective prayers. The visuals of glowing lamps in fields and near homes create an atmosphere of spiritual calmness and community bonding.
It’s also a time when Assamese values of simplicity, self-reliance, and gratitude are passed down to younger generations.
Kati Bihu in Urban India
In cities and towns, where farming is no longer the main occupation, people still honor Kati Bihu 2025 by lighting lamps near Tulsi plants, praying for prosperity, health, and well-being. Urban households may use eco-friendly lamps or digital puja setups, showing how tradition adapts over time.
Why Kati Bihu Matters Today
As we move toward urbanization and globalization, festivals like Kati Bihu remind us of our roots in nature. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a tribute to farmers, a prayer to Mother Earth, and a lesson in patience and faith. In times of climate change and growing food insecurity, Kati Bihu’s symbolism of food security and sustainability becomes even more relevant.
In conclusion, Kati Bihu may not have the grandeur of its counterparts, but its essence lies in its simplicity and the values it promotes—hard work, patience, and faith in the future. As a festival dedicated to the land and its cycles, Kati Bihu reflects the deep bond that the people of Assam share with their environment. It’s a celebration of hope, of lighting lamps to chase away darkness, both in the fields and in life, as they look forward to a prosperous harvest. Through Kati Bihu, the people of Assam express their gratitude and prayers, reaffirming their connection to nature and the importance of faith in the unseen forces that guide their