Assam’s Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Kaushik Rai, visited the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills to oversee preparations for the Ambubachi Mela, a major annual Hindu gathering. He examined the facilities set up for the numerous devotees who have traveled from various parts of the country to attend the festival. Rai engaged with officials from the district administration, police, and temple management to evaluate crowd control, sanitation, water supply, and medical services.
The Ambubachi Mela, which symbolizes the yearly menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, commenced after the temple’s sanctum sanctorum was closed for the customary three-day period. The shrine is set to reopen following the completion of rituals, allowing devotees to offer prayers. During his visit, Rai emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and pleasant pilgrimage for all participants.
Rai highlighted that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed all departments to collaborate closely for the successful execution of the event. He also assessed plans for traffic management, security provisions, and emergency responses, urging officials to maintain constant vigilance due to the anticipated high turnout in the upcoming days. Adequate provisions such as food distribution, water supply, temporary shelters, and medical assistance have been organized for pilgrims, with health teams and disaster response units strategically positioned.
The Ambubachi Mela draws thousands of sadhus, saints, and devotees to Guwahati daily, signifying a significant Shakti Peeth pilgrimage in India. Multiple agencies have been mobilized by the Assam government to ensure efficient management of the religious gathering and reduce inconvenience for devotees during the annual mela.
