Ambubachi Mela to begin at Kamakhya on June 22

Guwahati: The annual four-day Ambubachi Mela will begin at the Kamakhya temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, on June 22, with the Kamrup (Metro) district administration and the temple management committee finalising preparations.Kabindra Prasad Sarma, bor doloi (head priest) at Kamakhya Temple, said the sanctum sanctorum will remain closed from “9.08 pm on June 22” and reopen “on June 26 morning” after rituals are completed.Sarma said around 2.5 million visitors were recorded last year and the temple authorities expect a similar turnout this year.Ambubachi is the northeast’s largest religious congregation, drawing lakhs of devotees, tantriks, sadhus and tourists. For believers of tantrism, it is a special period for Mantra Siddhi. The festival is marked by the celebration of the annual menstrual cycle of the presiding goddess.Kamakhya is among the 51 shakti peethas associated with the legend of Sati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, whose remains are believed to have fallen at different sites. Tradition holds that her yoni (reproductive organs} fell where the temple stands. Ancient Kamrupa and Kamakhya are referenced in texts including ‘Yogini Tantra’ and ‘Kalika Puran’.Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple premises from 5 AM to 6 PM during the mela. The VIP darshan facility will remain suspended from the start of the festival until June 30.A district administration official said drinking water facilities will be provided along routes used by foot travellers, and carpets will be laid across the pilgrimage route to help devotees amid summer heat.Security has been tightened with the installation of more than 500 CCTV cameras. The official said the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will oversee cleanliness, along with the deployment of over 500 volunteers by the temple authority.