Guwahati: Preparations are in full swing for the Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple, one of Assam’s most important spiritual and religious destinations.
The festival will be held from June 22 to June 26, with devotees, sadhus, tantric practitioners and pilgrims already beginning to arrive at Nilachal Hill. Authorities expect more than 10 lakh devotees from different parts of India and abroad to attend the event.
According to temple authorities, the Ambubachi will begin at 9:08:42 PM on June 22. Following tradition, the temple will remain closed for three days, as devotees believe Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstruation period during this time. The temple doors will reopen on June 26 after special rituals and prayers are performed.
The Ambubachi Mela is regarded as one of India’s largest spiritual gatherings and holds special significance for followers of Shakti worship and tantric traditions. Thousands of sadhus, Naga ascetics, aghoris and spiritual seekers visit Kamakhya during the festival every year.
To manage the expected crowd, the Assam government, temple management committee, police and various departments have made extensive arrangements. Security has been strengthened around Nilachal Hill, while special measures have been taken for traffic management, medical camps, drinking water, temporary toilets, resting facilities and cleanliness. Several voluntary organisations will also participate in service activities during the festival.
The festival has also renewed discussions on the proposed Kamakhya Access Corridor Project, which aims to improve connectivity and visitor facilities at the temple. The project includes widening roads, improving pedestrian pathways, expanding parking facilities and creating better infrastructure for pilgrims. The initiative is expected to address long-standing issues such as traffic congestion and overcrowding, especially during major festivals like Ambubachi.
Situated atop Nilachal Hill on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India. The Ambubachi Mela is not only a major religious event but also an important cultural, tourism and economic occasion for Assam, attracting national and international attention every year.
With preparations underway and devotees already arriving, Nilachal Hill is set to once again become a major centre of spiritual gathering when the Ambubachi Mela begins on June 22.
