Ambubachi Mela

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

Ambubachi Mela is a mega gathering of sanyasis and devotees at the famous Kamakhya Devi Temple that is located in Guwahati. This grand festival is celebrated majorly in Assam in order to honor the fertile richness of mother Earth and to observe the menstrual cycle of Devi Kamakhya. Ambubachi Mela is a prime festival of the Shakti tradition which takes place for four long days in the month of Ahaar which usually falls in the mid of June. This is a famous festival of Guwahati that is addressed by a large number of sanyasis who are seen performing strict modes of devotion. Also marked by a huge number of devotees and travelers, Ambubachi Mela is indeed a lively affair which brings forth the cultural and religious diversity of this region. 

Ambubachi Mela Dates & Venue

Ambubachi Mela is a four-day affair that happens in the month of Ahaar, i.e. in the month of June. It is celebrated at Kamakhya Devi Temple which is located in Nilachal Hill, Guwahati in Assam.

History & Significance of Ambubachi Mela

One of the most sacred festivals celebrated in Assam, Ambubachi Mela has been an integral part of Kamakhya Devi Temple for centuries now. The temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas where the yoni (vagina & womb) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her corpse in grief and rage. 

According to legends, the mela is organised every year to observe the menstrual cycle of the presiding goddess. The temple remains closed for initial three days and is opened only on the fourth day when a large number of devotees, sadhus and tantrics mark their presence in front of the goddess. 

Receiving Rakta Bastra, a piece of cloth soaked in goddess’s menstrual fluid is a privilege for devotees as it is considered as her blessing. Ambubachi Mela is also known as Ameti or Tantric Fertility Festival as these four auspicious days of mela are the personification of women’s fertility and childbearing capabilities. 

Highlights of Ambubachi Mela

During the first three days of the Ambubachi Mela, agricultural activities in the region, reading of sacred texts and entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple are prohibited as it is believed that the goddess undergoes her menstrual phase during these days. Also, no religious practice is done by the devotees gathered around the temple. 

1. Mass Gathering. The sight of the Ambubachi Mela is very much similar to that of Kumbh Mela as devotees and sanyasis of Shakti tradition gather in huge numbers at Kamakhya Devi temple and perform rigorous rituals. People flock to this temple in huge numbers to seek the blessings of Kamakhya Devi on the fourth day.

2. Display of Tantric Shakti Cult. Numerous sadhus who remain unseen throughout the year attend the mela and are seen performing rigorous rituals such as carrying weights, holding their head in a pit, standing upright on one leg for hours etc.   

3. Unique Rituals like Garbhagriha & worshipping stone shaped yoni. The Kamakhya Devi is worshiped in the form of female genitalia which is believed to be the reproductive part of Mother Earth. The priests of the temple bathe the Garbhagriha and after this ritual, the temple is opened for the devotees.

4. Prasad in the form of Angodak and Angabastra. Angodak is water from the spring while Angabastra is a piece of the red cloth that is used to cover the stone yoni during the days of menstruation. Both these form a special prasadam which devotees consider as the blessing of prosperity by the goddess. 

How To Reach Ambubachi Mela

The Ambubachi Mela is organized at the temple of Kamakhya Devi which is located in Guwahati, Assam. Guwahati is well-connected with the major cities of India like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

• Nearest metropolitan city. Kolkata
• Distance from Kolkata. 1032 km
• Nearest airport. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
• Nearest railway station. Kamakhya Junction Railway Station

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By Air

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the nearest airbase from the Kamakhya temple, which is located in Guwahati. Taxis are available from the airport to cover the remaining distance. 

• Distance from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. 20 km

By Train

The nearest railhead from the Kamakhya Temple is the Kamakhya Junction Railway Station which is in Guwahati, Assam. The remaining distance can be covered with taxis available from the railway station. 

• Distance from Kamakhya Junction Railway Station. 12 km

By Road

The city of Guwahati in Assam is well-connected through a network of roads and bus services. Regular state-run and private buses are easily available from other cities and towns in Assam and adjoining cities. 

• Distance from Shillong. 104 km

FAQs Related to Ambubachi Mela

Q. In which month is Ambubachi Mela celebrated?
A. Ambubachi Mela is celebrated in the monsoon season during mid-June. 

Q. Where is the Ambubachi Mela held annually?
A. Every year Ambunachi Mela is held at Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam.

Q. What is the significance of Ambubachi Mela?
A. Ambubachi Mela is one of the most important festivals of Assam which is celebrated with Shakti rites in the famous Kamakhya Devi Temple. The festival signifies the fertility of mother Earth. 

PLEASE NOTE : Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.