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About Ambubachi Mela

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About Ambubachi Mela

Ambubachi Mela is the yearly festival of the Kamakhya temple on Nilachal hill in Guwahati, Assam. Kamakhya is one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas, and devotees believe the goddess, Mother Earth herself, goes through her yearly cycle of rest and renewal during these days of the monsoon.

The temple doors close for three days from 22 June. No worship is held inside, and in many Assamese homes people do not plough, dig or sow seeds, as the earth is resting. On the fourth day the doors open again after a holy bath of the goddess, and the long wait of the devotees ends with joy.

Lakhs of pilgrims, sadhus and seekers come from all over India and Nepal and camp on the hill. They sing bhajans, light lamps and wait for the darshan. As prasad they receive the angodak, holy water from the spring in the shrine, and the angabastra, a piece of red cloth that is kept at home as a blessing.

The mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the east of India. It is also seen as a celebration of womanhood and of the power of creation, and many people use the day to speak about respect and care for women.

How people celebrate Ambubachi Mela

  • Waiting for the temple doors to open on the fourth day
  • Receiving red angabastra cloth and holy water as prasad
  • Not ploughing or digging while the earth rests
  • Bhajans and lamps on Nilachal hill
  • Pilgrims camping around the Kamakhya temple
  • Feeding pilgrims and sadhus

How to wish well

  • Wish devotees on 22 June, or on the fourth day when the doors open again and darshan begins.
  • Keep the tone devout and respectful; this is a sacred time, not a party.
  • A blessing for good health, strength and a safe journey suits friends who are going to Kamakhya.

Questions about Ambubachi Mela

When is Ambubachi Mela?

It begins on 22 June every year and lasts four days. The temple doors close for three days and open again on the fourth. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Where is Ambubachi Mela held?

At the Kamakhya temple on Nilachal hill in Guwahati, Assam.

Why is the Kamakhya temple closed during Ambubachi?

Devotees believe the goddess, as Mother Earth, rests during these days. The doors open again on the fourth day after a holy bath of the goddess.

What is the prasad of Ambubachi?

Pilgrims receive the angodak, holy water from the shrine's spring, and the angabastra, a piece of red cloth that is kept at home for blessings.

Do people farm during Ambubachi?

In many villages of Assam people do not plough, dig or sow during these days, as the earth is believed to be resting.

What do you say on Ambubachi Mela?

You can say "Joy Maa Kamakhya" or "Happy Ambubachi Mela", and wish someone strength, health and a peaceful darshan.

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