The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu religious festival held in the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati. The festival attracts so many religious devotees during the period that it creates a stampede-like situation. Often termed the ‘Kumbh Mela of Northeast India’, the Ambubachi Mela is unique, exotic and full of ancient customs and rituals. In this blog, we will discuss Ambubachi Mela 2024, its dates, major attractions, guidelines to visit Kamakhya temple during Ambubachi Mela and its roots in the myths and history of Assam.
About Ambubachi Mela 2024
The Ambubachi Mela is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya, who is considered the embodiment of female power and fertility. The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated during the monsoon season, typically in the month of June. ‘Ambubachi Mela 2024’ is going to held from June 22, 2024 (Saturday) to June 26, 2024 (Wednesday).
From June 22 to June 24, 2024; the Kamakhya Temple will be closed. The gates of the temple will open for public on June 25, 2024.
Tickets for Ambubachi Mela 2024
There is no separate tickets for Ambubachi Mela 2024. In general, the temple door opens at 8 AM and closes at 4:30 PM (winter)/5 PM (summer). There is a break time from 1 PM to 2:30 PM during which the temple gate remains closed. The time limit is strictly adhered to by the temple authority.
During Ambubachi Mela 2024, the Kamakhya Temple gate opening time will change from 8 AM to 9 AM. You can refer to this blog for Kamakhya Temple tickets and booking guidelines.
The Story of Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple
Devotees from various parts of India, especially from the northeastern states, flock to the Kamakhya Temple to participate in the Ambubachi Mela. They observe various rituals and offer prayers to the Goddess. In order to understand why Ambubachi Mela is celebrated, we need to understand the mythological story behind Maa Kamakhya Devi.
Story Behind Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple
The story in bief goes like this: After the death of Devi Sati (wife of Shiva), Lord Shiva full of grief carried the dead body of Devi Sati on his shoulder and roamed the whole universe without having any purpose or destination. To bring back normalcy into the universe, Lord Vishnu with the help of his Spinning Wheel (Sudarshan chakra) made fifty-one parts of Sati’s dead body. The places where the body parts of Sati fell were all turned into holy, religious, places for worshipping her. It is believed that out of the fifty-one body parts, one of them namely the female sexual organ (yoni or vagina) fell above the Nilachal hill of Kamrup and later developed into the Kamakhya Temple.
So, the temple is based basically on yoni-worship, a part of tantric practice that was prevalent in Assam. The tradition has been continued for ages.
Why Ambubachi Mela is Celebrated?
It is believed that during this time, the Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstrual cycle. It is the manifestation of symbolism of yoni worship or the devotees believe so. Just like any other women, Maa Kamakhya (read Mother Earth) has also her menstrual cycle. However, in her case, it is annual menstruation.
Many neo-Hindu philosopher reason that this myth was carefully crafted to spread awareness about menstrual cycle among the people and remove various social taboo associated with it.
As the menstruation of the Devi continues for three days. The temple remains closed for three days. These three days are considered to be a time of rest and purification for the Goddess. Even though the temple remains closed for three days for public, secret rituals are performed by temple priests inside the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of the temple. After the three days, the temple door is opened for public and Ambubachi Mela officially begins.
Rituals Observed During Ambubachi Mela
It is believed by Hindus that the Earth, commonly associated as Mother Earth, becomes unclean for 3 days and therefore should be secluded in the same format that some traditionally practicing Hindu women seclude themselves during their own menstrual cycles.
During these 3 days, some restrictions are observed by the Hindu devotees (e.g. cessation of cooking, cessation of performing worship, cessation of reading holy books, cessation of farming etc.). After 3 days, Devi Kamakhya is bathed by cleaning the statue which represents her with red pigment flowing from her vaginal canal, alongside other rituals which are carried out to ensure that the devi retrieves purity.
What Happens During the Ambubachi Mela?
Devotees eagerly wait for the opening the temple gate for three days. As the temple gate will open on June 25, 2024, pilgrims will make a long queue and padyatra to visit the temple. The road from Kamakhya Gate to Main Temple gate which is distance of about 3 km will be closed for vehicles during Ambubachi Mela 2024. People start a uphill trek to Mandir once they know that the gate has opened.
After the visiting of temple, the devotees want to get a first glimpse of the yoni-shaped stone representing the goddess Kamakhya and receive the sacred prasad of Kamakhya temple, Angodak and Angabastra. Angodak is the red colored Holy water of Maa Kamakhya Devi believed to be released during the three day menstruation. It is a mixture of holy water and sindoor (vermilion). Angabastra is the red cloth or ambubachi bastra. These special prasads of Kamakhya temple are hard to get until and unless you have good connections with the temple priests.. It is believed that a white cloth is placed around the sculpture of Yoni during the three day closure. However, after three days the cloth turns red. No one knows the actual reason for it. Legend has it that the blood discharge of the Devi during her periods is reason behind it.
Major Attractions of Ambubachi Mela 2024
The festival is also marked by various cultural events, religious discourses, and performances. The atmosphere is vibrant and filled with devotion as thousands of pilgrims gather to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Why Should You Visit Ambubachi Mela 2024?
It is believed that during this period, the Goddess’s powers are at their peak, and blessings and boons sought during this time are highly auspicious. If you want to get the original Red Cloth or Ambubachi Mela, then you must visit the temple during the Ambubachi Mela. The devotion of these pilgrims is believed to bring rain and fertility back to the Earth.
The benefits of visiting the Kamakhya Temple is immense. It is believed that Maa Kamakhya Devi has divine power to fulfil one’s wishes, ward off evils and bless her devotees with happiness and prosperity
Once you have explored the temple and you have enough time after that, you can explore other tourist places near Maa Kamakhya Temple. This blog explains all the major tourist attractions near Kamakhya Temple.
FAQs Regarding Ambubachi Mela 2024
Q: Is Kamakhya Temple closed during Ambubachi Mela?
A: During Ambubachi Mela 2024, the Kamakhya Temple will be closed from June 22 to June 24, 2024. The gates of the temple will open for public on June 25, 2024.
Q: Is it safe to visit Kamakhya Temple during Ambubachi Mela?
A: Ambubachi Mela in Kamakhya Temple is observed with strict rules and guidelines. There is no law and order issue. So, come and witness this Mela this June.
Q: When will Ambubachi Mela start in 2024?
A: It will commence on June 22, 2024.
Q: What should not to be done during Ambubachi period?
A: According to popular beliefs, indoor cooking, performing puja and other rituals, reading holy books, farming are not allowed during Ambubachi. If you truly believe in the power of Maa Kamakhya Devi, you must avoid these activities during Ambubachi.
One Response
Jai Maa Kamakhya devi