Guwahati: Devotees Throng Kamakhya Temple on Day 2 of Ambubachi Mela

A large number of devotees from across the country gathered at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on Monday to offer prayers on the second day of the four-day-long Ambubachi Mela, one of Assam’s most sacred religious gatherings.

Observed annually in the monsoon month of Ahaar (mid-June), the Ambubachi Mela celebrates the natural fertility cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, revered as the embodiment of divine femininity. According to traditional belief, the goddess undergoes her annual menstruation during this period, and the temple remains closed to the public as part of ritual observances.

The festival officially began on June 22 with the performance of Ambubachi Prabritti rituals, after which the temple doors were ceremonially closed. The sanctum will reopen on June 26, marking the end of the goddess's seclusion and the resumption of regular worship.

Situated atop the Nilachal Hills, the Kamakhya Temple is not only one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in India, but also a major centre for Tantric practices. It holds deep spiritual significance for followers of Shaktism and draws lakhs of devotees and sadhus from different parts of India and abroad during the Ambubachi festival.

Authorities have put in place extensive arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. The Kamakhya Temple management committee, along with the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, has deployed resources to ensure smooth crowd management, sanitation, health services, and security throughout the mela.

Extending his greetings on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a message on X: "Today marks the beginning of the #Ambubachi Mahayog, an annual celebration of Maa Kamakhya's divine femininity. Spiritual Gurus and devotees from across the country will dawn upon the sacred Nilachal Hills to pray for Bharat. I welcome all pilgrims to Assam & wish everyone a divine experience and the choicest blessings of Maa Kamakhya."

The Kamakhya Temple, located approximately 7 km from the heart of Guwahati, is considered one of the largest shrines dedicated to the worship of Shakti, or the feminine divine. Apart from Ambubachi, the temple also hosts several important festivals throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Durgadeul, Madandeul, Vasanti Puja, Manasa Puja, and Pohan Biya.

Also Read: Kamakhya Ambubachi Mela 2025: Dates, History, Rituals & Travel Guide