Ambubachi Mela

sadhus&ambubachimela

Ambubachi Mela by Vikramjit Kakati

Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple by Vikramjit Kakati

Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu mela (fair) held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India. The festival is celebrated during the monsoon season, which usually falls in the month of June. It is one of the most important festivals of the Kamakhya Temple and is associated with the fertility cult of the Goddess Kamakhya.

Significance[edit | edit source]

The Ambubachi Mela is based on the belief that the Goddess Kamakhya goes through her annual menstrual cycle during this period. The temple remains closed for three days, symbolizing the period of menstruation. On the fourth day, the temple reopens, and devotees are allowed to enter and worship the goddess. The festival is a celebration of the creative and nurturing power of the goddess and is considered highly auspicious.

Rituals and Practices[edit | edit source]

During the three days when the temple is closed, various rituals are performed by the temple priests. Devotees observe certain restrictions, such as abstaining from cooking, farming, and performing any auspicious ceremonies. On the fourth day, after the temple reopens, a grand celebration takes place, and devotees from all over the country come to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Pilgrimage[edit | edit source]

The Ambubachi Mela attracts thousands of pilgrims, sadhus, and tantrics from different parts of India. The mela is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with numerous stalls, cultural programs, and religious discourses. The influx of devotees during this period significantly boosts the local economy.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

The festival has a profound cultural impact on the region. It is not only a religious event but also a social gathering that brings together people from various walks of life. The mela provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, traditions, and practices among different communities.