The Ambubachi Mela, a significant religious gathering in eastern India, is starting at the Kamakhya Temple. More than eight lakh devotees, pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists are expected to join the four-day festival. This event celebrates Goddess Kamakhya’s annual menstrual cycle, symbolizing feminine power and fertility.
The festival, linked to Shakti worship and Tantric traditions, begins with the ‘Pravritti’ ceremony at 9:08:42 p.m. on Monday. The temple doors will close for three days, and devotees cannot enter during this sacred period. After the Nitya Puja, the temple reopens on June 26 for the ‘Nivritti’ ritual, allowing devotees to offer prayers.
Perched on the Nilachal Hills, the Kamakhya Temple is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. During the observance, all temple rituals are halted to mirror the Goddess’s seclusion during menstruation. Devotees eagerly await the reopening to receive the sacred ‘Angodak’ and ‘Angabastra’ blessings.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements for security, healthcare, and accommodation during the mela. The Assam government and temple management ensure a smooth and safe festival for the pilgrims. The Ambubachi Mela annually transforms Guwahati into a spiritual hub, attracting pilgrims, ascetics, and seekers for a vibrant celebration of the divine feminine.
