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Get your soul ready for the enchanting celebration of Kati Bihu on October 17! This cultural festival holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam, India, who celebrate it with immense enthusiasm. Started centuries ago as a mark of respect and gratefulness towards nature and its plenty, Kati Bihu has now become a vibrant part of Assam's rich heritage. As the paddy fields sway to the rhythms of the "pepa" and "dhol," the glimmering oil lamps light up the magical spirit of camaraderie and community. So, let's delve into the charm of Kati Bihu, a joyous celebration of life, community, and nature's bounty!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Early 15th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Kati Bihu</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is said to have originated during the Ahom rule in Assam, marking an important phase in the agricultural cycle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1836</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Written Record</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scottish explorer and writer Alexander Cunningham mentions Bihu, including Kati Bihu, in his book "Coins of Medieval Assam".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition Beyond Assam</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kati Bihu began to be recognized outside Assam as Indian ethnographers and historians started researching and documenting diverse cultural practices.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Integration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Festival of India initiative highlighted Kati Bihu among other regional festivities to promote national integration and cultural exchange.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>With an increased focus on eco-friendly practices, modern Kati Bihu celebrations often include mud lamps instead of electric lights, reviving traditional aspects.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Covid-19 Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the pandemic's challenges, Assamese worldwide creatively adapted their celebrations while maintaining Kati Bihu's spirit on October 17, 2021.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Light up your home</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take part in the tradition of illuminating each corner of your house with earthen oil lamps. These lamps, also known as saki, are symbolic of driving away the darkness and welcoming prosperity and good luck.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Try traditional Assamese cuisine</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use this festival as an opportunity to prepare and try traditional Assamese dishes including 'pitha' and ‘laru’. This can be a fun and delicious way to engage with the culinary tradition of Kati Bihu.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join a cultural performance</h3><p class='facts-text'>Become part of the vibrant celebrations by joining in traditional dances and songs that are performed on this day. If possible, learn some traditional Assamese music and dance forms like Bihu dance to perform.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Get involved in community activities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Local communities often host various events for Kati Bihu such as paddy field tours, group prayers and community meals. Participating in these activities is a wonderful way to feel the spirit of Kati Bihu.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pay homage to nature</h3><p class='facts-text'>Often, people pay homage to nature during Kati Bihu by offering prayers in their fields hoping for a good harvest. You can embrace this tradition by visiting a local farm or spending time in nature, expressing gratitude for the earth's bounty.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the spirit of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kati Bihu is a festival that brings people together. It fosters a strong community spirit as everyone comes together to participate in the celebrations, from lighting up homes and joining cultural performances to taking part in community activities. This shared sense of celebration and togetherness makes Kati Bihu a truly beloved festival.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It embodies gratitude and hope</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>At the heart of Kati Bihu is a profound sense of gratitude towards nature and its bounty, as well as hope for a good harvest. The tradition of offering prayers in the fields and lighting up homes with earthen lamps symbolises a heartfelt thanksgiving and a hopeful anticipation for prosperity. This resonates with many, making Kati Bihu a meaningful celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kati Bihu offers a beautiful glimpse into Assamese culture. It allows participants to engage with traditional Assamese cuisine, music, and dance, thus promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. This opportunity to dive into cultural traditions is another reason why Kati Bihu is greatly loved and celebrated.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kati Bihu is one of Three Bihu Festivals</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bihu is not merely a festival but a series of three important commemorative events in the Assamese calendar; these include Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April (marking the Assamese New Year and the spring festival), Maagh Bihu in January (the harvest festival), and Kati Bihu observed in October/November (the festival of lights to revere the bounty of nature).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kati Bihu Has a Solemn Nature Compared to Other Bihu Festivals</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike its counterparts – Rongali and Maagh Bihu – that are characterized by feasts, dances and frolic, Kati Bihu is more solemn in nature. This festival is a touching homage to the hardships and needs of farmers prior to harvest season.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Main Ritual Is Known as "Akash Banti"</h3><p class='facts-content'>The essential ritual of the observance involves lighting an earthen lamp ('saki') filled with locally produced mustard oil under a tulsi plant; this practice is called "Akash Banti", meaning sky or heavenly lamp. It is believed to guide the spirits of the sacred and departed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kati Bihu Coincides with a Specific Lunar Phase</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term 'Kati' in Assamese denotes the Kartik month in lunar calendar. Interestingly, the festival aligns with the waning phase of the moon which is called 'Krishna Paksha'. Thus this period signifies the end of the monsoon season.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Jyoti Bihu" is Another Name for Kati Bihu</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kati Bihu is fondly referred to as "Jyoti Bihu" from the practice of lighting lamps ('jyoti' in Assamese) symbolizing hope during the lean season. It's an occasion that reaffirms faith in the power of hope and lights up the spirits of people at the eve of reaping their harvest.</p></div></div>
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