Kamakhya temple will not allow any devotees, pilgrims to attend this year’s Ambubachi Mela

Guwahati, June 18: Given the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the famous Kamakhya temple management authorities have decided not to allow any devotees, pilgrims to attend this year’s, Ambubachi Mela.

First time in the history, this year’s Ambubachi Mela will be observed behind the doors and only the rituals will be performed in the temple.

The temple management authorities have decided, unlike previous years, this year the devotees, sadhus, sanyasis and pilgrims will not be allowed to enter the Kamakhya temple or the nearby places. Further, all the entrances to the historic temple will be closed to prevent anyone from climbing up.

Like every year, this year too Ambubachi Mahayog will be held at the temple from June 22.

Kamakhya temple Doloi (head priest) Kabindra Prasad Sarma said that this year’s Ambubachi Mela will be started from June 22 and the timing of Ambubachi Prabritti at 07-53-15 am on June 22.

“The Nibritti of Ambubachi Mela will be held at 08-16-55 pm on June 25. We will not celebrate this year’s Ambubachi Mela like as previous years. We will only perform our rituals during the Ambubachi Mela,” Kabindra Prasad Sarma said.

The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu mela (fair) held at Kamakhya temple and it is the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya and the mela started from June 22 every year at Kamakhya Temple.

On the other hand, the temple management authorities have also decided to keep the temple closed for devotees, pilgrims till June 30 due to the adverse situation caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to re-open the temple will be taken considering the prevailing situation only.