Explore Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple. Find dates, rituals, significance & travel guide for this sacred festival in Guwahati, Assam.
The Sacred Festival of Fertility & Shakti
The Ambubachi Mela is the most famous annual festival of Kamakhya Temple, celebrated with great devotion and spiritual energy on Nilachal Hill, Guwahati. Known as the “Mahakumbh of the East,” it marks the Goddess’s yearly menstruation period, symbolizing fertility and Mother Earth’s creative power.
Highlights for Devotees
- • Annual festival at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati
- • Celebrates Goddess Shakti’s fertility and creative energy
- • Temple remains closed for 3 days, reopens on 4th day
- • Witness tantric rituals and traditional ceremonies
- • Lakhs of devotees, sadhus & pilgrims attend every year
- • Spiritual tourism hub in Assam during June
Dates of Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi Mela is held every year in mid-June, during the monsoon solstice, as per the Assamese calendar. The temple remains closed for three days to honor the Goddess’s menstruation, and on the fourth day, the temple reopens with grand celebrations and thousands of pilgrims waiting for darshan. Exact dates vary each year, so devotees are advised to check updated schedules before planning.
Rituals of Ambubachi Mela
The rituals of Ambubachi are unique and deeply spiritual:
- Closing of the Temple: The sanctum remains closed for three days symbolizing the Goddess’s menstrual cycle.
- Reopening Ceremony: On the fourth day, the temple doors open with special pujas, chants, and grand celebrations.
- Tantric Practices: Sadhus and tantric practitioners gather to perform esoteric rituals, making this a powerful spiritual event.
- Distribution of Prasad: Devotees receive special Angodak (sacred water) and Angabastra (blessed cloth) as divine prasad.
Significance of Ambubachi Mela
Ambubachi Mela is not just a festival but a deep spiritual experience. It highlights the union of nature, fertility, and divine feminine power. Considered the most sacred time to visit Kamakhya, lakhs of pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists from across India and abroad gather in Guwahati, making it a hub of faith, devotion, and cultural unity.
Travel Guide for Devotees
Location: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June (festival period) – but expect huge crowds
Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas near the temple and city center
Tips for Devotees:
- ✓ Arrive early to avoid long queues after reopening
- ✓ Book darshan and puja services in advance
- ✓ Carry light clothing suitable for monsoon weather
- ✓ Follow temple rules and priest guidance during rituals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ambubachi Mela?
It is the annual festival of Kamakhya Temple, celebrating the menstruation of Goddess Shakti, symbolizing fertility and creation.
When does the Ambubachi Mela take place?
It is held in June every year for four days, based on the Assamese calendar.
Is the temple open during Ambubachi Mela?
The temple remains closed for three days and reopens on the fourth day with special ceremonies.
What prasad is distributed during the festival?
Devotees receive Angodak (holy water) and Angabastra (sacred cloth) as prasad.
Do sadhus and tantrics attend the festival?
Yes, lakhs of pilgrims, sadhus, and tantric practitioners gather at Nilachal Hill during this time.
Experience the Divine Flow
The Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple is more than a festival—it is a divine celebration of life, creation, and spiritual power. From sacred rituals to the energy of lakhs of devotees, it is an experience every pilgrim must witness at least once.
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