Guwahati : The four-day-long annual Ambubachi Mela at the historic Kamakhya temple in Guwahati will begin on June 22. The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fair held at the historic Kamakhya Temple, and it is the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya.

Kamakhya temple, located atop Nilachal Hills, is one of 51 Shaktipeeths in the country. The Assam government and Kamakhya Temple Management Committee have made all arrangements for the Ambubachi Mela.

Kabindra Prasad Sarma, Doloi (head priest) of the historical temple, said that the Assam government and district administration have also extended their support including security, transportation, food etc.

“This year’s Ambubachi Mela’s Pravritti will be performed at 8-45 am on June 22 and after Pravritti the main door of the temple will be closed for three days and three nights. The Ambubachi Mela’s Nivritti will be performed on June 26 and the main door of the temple will be opened on June 26 morning. All rituals and puja will be performed after Nivritti,” Sarma said.

 “Last year, around 25 lakh devotees visited the temple during the Ambubachi Mela and we hope the number will be increased this year,” Sarma added. He further said that, for security, 500 CCTVs will be installed on the roadside and other places.

“As of now, 300 CCTVs have been installed in the premises of the temple and 500 more CCTVs will be installed. Preparations works are going on. Last week, a meeting was held with the Chief Secretary of the state government. We have also formed a special committee for the Ambubachi Mela,” Sarma said.

Vivek Kumar Shukla, a devotee from Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, told   that, people from different parts of the country have come here to seek blessings from Goddess Kamakhya and they feel peace. “The annual Ambubachi Mela will start from June 22 this year also and it is a historical place,” Shukla added.