The Assam government has intensified preparations for the annual Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, with authorities expecting a large turnout of devotees, saints and visitors during the four-day religious gathering beginning on June 22.
Held every year at the Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills, the Ambubachi Mela is one of the country’s largest religious congregations. The festival marks the symbolic annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Maa Kamakhya and attracts pilgrims from across India as well as several foreign countries.
Officials estimate that nearly 8 lakh devotees and visitors may attend this year’s mela, prompting multiple government departments to coordinate efforts to ensure smooth management of the event.
Addressing the media, Assam Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog said extensive arrangements have been put in place for the convenience of pilgrims. Three large accommodation camps have been established to house devotees arriving from different parts of the country. Road carpeting and resurfacing works are also being carried out to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and vehicles in and around the temple area.
Neog said a public announcement system has been installed to assist with crowd management and provide timely information to visitors throughout the festival. Special emphasis has also been placed on maintaining cleanliness and sanitation at the temple premises and surrounding locations.
“We are making all necessary arrangements to ensure that devotees have a safe and comfortable experience during the Ambubachi Mela,” the minister said.
The state government has also introduced special facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to make the pilgrimage more accessible. In addition, Food Inspectors have been deployed across the mela grounds to monitor food quality and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Highlighting Assam’s growing tourism sector, Neog said the state has received around 8.5 million domestic tourists and nearly 42,000 foreign tourists so far, reflecting increasing interest in Assam as a travel destination.
Meanwhile, Guwahati Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Borah announced a detailed traffic management plan for the festival. Under the arrangement, no vehicles other than emergency service vehicles will be allowed beyond Nursery Point during the mela period. Vehicles transporting food and essential supplies will be permitted movement only between 11 pm and 5 am.
