A sadhu arrives at the Kamakhya temple ahead of the Ambubachi Mela, in Guwahati.
Credit: PTI Photo
Guwahati: The annual Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple, atop Nilachal hills in Assam's Guwahati, commenced on Saturday with worship stopped for the next four days, coinciding with the ritualistic annual menstrual cycle of the goddess.
Lakhs of devotees attend the mela and wait for the resumption of worship and pay obeisance to the goddess.
Temple authorities said the doors were closed at 8.43 am with the start of 'prabritti' and worship will resume at 9.07 pm on June 25 after 'nribritti'.
On June 26, the temple door will open for darshan after a ritualistic bath and daily puja, they said.
Worship is stopped and doors are closed in the temple for four days annually, when the goddess is believed to undergo her menstrual cycle.
Devotees from different parts of the country and abroad converge at the annual mela, which is held in the temple premises during the period.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X in Hindi, welcomed the devotees to the mela.
"On the occasion of Ambubachi Mela, I welcome the sandhus and devotees," he wrote.
Arrangements have been made by the Kamrup Metropolitan district administration and other agencies for the smooth conduct of the Mela, an official statement said.
Camping facilities for 5,000 persons have been set up at the Kamakhya railway station and for 12,000-15,000 people at the main holding area in Pandu port.
Provision for VIP passes has been stopped for the time being, while the road leading to the main temple has been closed for all vehicles except emergency and utility vehicles.
Strict regulations for food and water distribution to visitors by institutions have been issued, with no arbitrary distribution to be allowed, the statement said.
Provisions for toilets, street lights, health camps and barricades on roads at certain locations have been made, it added.