Kati Bihu
The austere Bihu — small lamps in paddy fields, prayers for the harvest.
Gregorian date
17 October 2026
Saturday
Tithi
Sun enters Libra → Scorpio cusp (solar)
Kartika (October – November)
Duration
single-day
Regional emphasis
Assam
Also known as
Kongali Bihu
Significance
The middle of the three Bihus, observed on the first day of the Assamese month Kati. Less festive than Bohag and Magh Bihu — granaries are nearly empty after the previous harvest. Families light earthen lamps (akash banti) on bamboo poles in paddy fields and tulsi platforms, praying for the next harvest.
What happens on the day
- •Light akash banti (earthen lamps on tall bamboo poles) in paddy fields
- •Prayer at the tulsi platform (Tulsi Puja)
- •Simple meal — no community feasting (granaries are low)
- •Visit ancestor altars
About the month of Kartikaकार्तिक
The most festival-rich month. Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath, Tulsi Vivah, and Kartik Purnima all fall here.
More festivals in Kartika
Karva Chauth
30 October 2026 · Krishna Chaturthi
Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for husbands' longevity.
Kerala Piravi
1 November 2026 · Fixed Gregorian (November 1)
Kerala's birthday — the day the state was formed in 1956.
Dhanteras
6 November 2026 · Krishna Trayodashi
The Diwali week begins — gold and metal purchases peak today.
Naraka Chaturdashi
7 November 2026 · Krishna Chaturdashi
The night before Diwali — Krishna's defeat of Narakasura.