Ambubachi Mela 2024: No VIP passes this time; other guidelines and restrictions

The Ambubachi Mela is a prominent annual festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. This year, it is scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 26, 2024. This special event celebrates the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising fertility and womanhood.

During the festival, the Kamakhya Temple will observe closure from June 22 to June 25, marking the goddess’s menstruation period, during which devotees are prohibited from entering. The temple gates will reopen at 9:08 PM on June 25. Annually, the Ambubachi Mela draws numerous devotees from across the country who participate in age-old customs and rituals. Here’s all that you need to know.

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Key rituals of Ambubachi Mela

During this time, the temple will remain closed for three days, symbolising the goddess’s menstruation, which will be followed by a grand reopening on the fourth day, attended by a multitude of devotees. The festival also features tantric rituals intrinsic to the Kamakhya Temple’s tradition, including Mahasnan, a ritualistic deity bath using Panchagarva and other offerings.

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Guidelines to follow

To ensure safety and order during Ambubachi Mela 2024, the district administration has imposed several measures, which are as follows:

– No issuance of VIP passes; all visitors, including VIPs, must queue like regular attendees.

– Road closures leading to Kamakhya and from Pandu Ghat at night.

– Suspension of ferry services and vehicular movement from Kamakhya Gate; limited ferry service available only on the Pandu to Kamakhya route.

– Strict regulation of food and water distribution by institutions; no arbitrary distribution allowed.

– Provision of camp facilities near the temple and at Pandu River Ghat, with restrictions on bringing food and utensils into the camps.

Additional guidelines

Additional guidelines for visitors during the Mela include adjusted temple timings from 8 AM to 9 AM, replacing the usual hours of operation. Admission is free without the need for special tickets, although visitors are advised to plan ahead due to expected high attendance. Some travel agencies may offer guided tours or special access passes for a more organised experience, though these are optional.

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It is essential for visitors to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a respectful and smooth experience during this significant religious festival at Kamakhya Temple.

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