Pilgrims begin arriving at Kamakhya as Ambubachi countdown begins

Guwahati, June 15: With a week still to go before the start of Ambubachi Mela, devotees, sadhus and spiritual seekers from across India have already begun arriving at the Kamakhya Temple, signalling the start of the annual pilgrimage to one of the country’s most revered Shakti Peethas.

The four-day festival, scheduled from June 22 to June 25, marks the symbolic annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya and draws lakhs of devotees, ascetics and tantric practitioners to Nilachal Hill every year.

According to Kamakhya Devalaya Bor Doloi Kabindra Prasad Sarma, the temple doors will close on June 22 at 9:08:42 pm and remain shut for three days before reopening on the morning of June 26 following ceremonial rituals

“We have made arrangements for drinking water, food, medical assistance and other facilities for pilgrims. Preparations have also been made at key transit points including Maligaon Railway Station, Boripara and Bharalumukh,” Sarma said.

Temple authorities are expecting a larger turnout this year, citing a steady rise in the number of pilgrims over the past several years.

Among the early arrivals is Sadhu Manuj Kumar Yadav from Bihar, who undertook a year-long Dandavat Pranam journey to reach Kamakhya.

“The faith associated with Kamakhya is extraordinary. Every year lakhs of devotees come here seeking the blessings of the Mother Goddess,” he said.

Mantra Krishnagiri Maharaj from Maharashtra, a regular visitor to the mela, said Ambubachi is often misunderstood.

“People associate it only with tantra, but for devotees it is a deeply spiritual gathering centred on devotion, prayer and renewal,” he said.

As pilgrims continue to stream in and preparations gather pace, Nilachal Hill is steadily preparing for the arrival of one of the largest religious congregations in eastern India, when faith, tradition and spirituality converge at the Kamakhya Temple once again.

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