Amid tight vigil, pilgrims and devotees from across the country and abroad have thronged the Kamakahya Temple atop the Nilachal Hill here to offer prayers on the occasion of the annual Ambubachi Mela.

The fair, promoted as an integral part of 'religious tourism' by the Assam government, began on June 22 with the closing of the temple doors for four days.

Huge number of devotees have flocked the temple, one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, to attend the festival, which was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on June 21.

The CM had said that the state government made elaborate arrangements for the devotees for their "safe, comfortable and memorable" stay here during the Ambubachi Mela.

He also hoped the devotees would pray to Goddess Kamakhya for her "blessings to empower the country through love, peace, mutual respect, trust and cooperation".

Source: PTI