A week-long Ambubasi Mela is organized during the monsoon (Assamese month of Ahaar) at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, Assam. According to the Hindu calendar, the fair is held when the sun transits to the zodiac of Mithun when the Brahmaputra river is in spate.
Ambubasi Mela also known as
It is an important festival of the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati. Ambubachi is related to “Tantrik rituals.” It is believed that the temple Goddess Devi Kamakhya, goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this time. The presiding deity is worshiped in the form of a yoni-like stone over which a natural spring flows. For the devotees of goddess Shakti and the locals, this festival is of great importance. The fair attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.
An important feature of this fair is the worship related to the Tantrik cult. It is associated with the legend of the menstrual cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya and accordingly the temple remains closed for three days, at the end of which the devotees throng to perform puja.
It is held during the monsoons and an interesting phenomenon is that it rains almost the entire week when it is celebrated. This is considered auspicious; as the local belief is that rain purifies earth, making it ready for harvesting. The presence of sadhus from all over the country and the local handicrafts being sold, mingle and add a riot of color to the festivities.
Legend
An important feature of this fair is the worship related to the Tantrik cult. It is associated with the legend of the menstrual cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya and accordingly the temple remains closed for three days, at the end of which the devotees throng to perform puja. It is held during the monsoons and an interesting phenomenon is that it rains almost the entire week when it is celebrated.
This is considered auspicious; as the local belief is that rain purifies earth, making it ready for harvesting. The presence of sadhus from all over the country and the local handicrafts being sold, mingle and add a riot of color to the festivities.
How to Reach:
The fare is the pride of Guwahati which is centrally located in the heart of Assam and well-connected with other parts of the country by air, train, and road.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is 8 km away from the Kamakhya temple.
By Road: Guwahati is well-connected with the major towns of India by road. Nepali Mandir is the nearest bus stop. Regular Buses also ply to and fro Kamakhya Temple
By Air: Guwahati Airport is the nearest airport.
