This beloved festival, characterized by its vibrant cultural traditions and deep spirituality, attracts thousands of devotees.
The Maa Kamakhya temple, one of the most esteemed spiritual sites in the Nilachal hills, is currently preparing for its annual Ambubachi Mela. Located on the scenic Nilachal hill in Guwahati, the Kamakhya temple will commence its special yearly observance of the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, the sacred embodiment of feminine power and fertility, on June 22.
During the festival, the government is gearing up for the influx of worshippers. Recent heavy rainfall has heightened the risk of landslides on Nilachal Hill, where the ancient temple is situated. To ensure that natural hazards do not disrupt the spiritual experience, authorities have taken proactive measures.
“We are prioritizing safety this year. Devotees will be permitted to visit the temple from 5 AM to 6 PM only, and overnight stays on the hill will not be allowed,” stated a senior district official.
To receive blessings from the goddess, pilgrims will need to hike up the steep path, as all vehicles have been banned from accessing the hilltop. Devotees must also descend the hill on the same day after their darshan. Emergency response teams from the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in landslide-prone areas to provide assistance and respond swiftly if needed.
The Ambubachi Mela, often referred to as the Mahakumbh of the East, holds significant importance in Tantric practices and Shakti worship. Kamakhya is one of the few temples in India where menstruation is not regarded as a taboo but celebrated as a sacred event, symbolizing fertility, womanhood, and the natural cycles.
Regarding the scale of the Mela, Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta remarked, “Last year, nearly 27 lakh devotees attended the Ambubachi Mela. We are fully prepared this time as well with comprehensive security measures in place.”
