Kamakhya Ambubachi mela 2024: Date, time, tickets, guidelines and more
Kamakhya Ambubachi Mela 2024:?The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu festival held at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. During the Ambubachi ritual, observed using Tantric methods, it is believed that the goddess Kamakhya undergoes her yearly menstrual cycle. This festival marks the celebration of the goddess Kamakhya's menstruation.
According to the Department of Tourism, Government of Assam, the Ambubachi Mela is one of the largest gatherings in eastern India. It is the most significant festival of the Kamakhya temple and takes place in June each year. The festival is more about performing austerities and celebrating with Shakti rituals. It is believed that Kamakhya represents the mother cult, the Shakti. During the Ambubachi period from the seventh to the tenth day of the Hindu month of "Asadha", the temple doors are closed to all as it is believed that Goddess Kamakhya is menstruating. On the twelfth day, the doors are ceremonially opened, and a large fair is held at the temple premises.
Ambubachi Mela 2024: Date & Time
The Ambubachi Mela 2024 is a highly anticipated and significant religious event in India, taking place annually at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. This festival, celebrated from June 22 to June 26, 2024, commemorates the annual menstruation period of the goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and womanhood. Devotees from around the world come together to experience the unique spiritual atmosphere of this Mela, seeking blessings, enlightenment, and a deep sense of connection with the divine. It is also believed that the Brahmaputra river turns red during this sacred time.
Ambubachi Mela 2024: Schedule?
- June 22, 2024: Temple Closure Ceremony
The temple closes in the early hours, marking the beginning of the goddess¡¯s menstruation period. Devotees perform preliminary rituals and offer prayers.
- June 23-24, 2024: Seclusion Period
The temple remains closed. Devotees engage in fasting, meditation, and special prayers outside the temple premises.
- June 25, 2024: Preparation for Reopening
Priests and temple authorities prepare for the reopening. Special rituals and cleansing ceremonies are conducted inside the temple.
- June 26, 2024: Temple Reopening Ceremony
The temple doors open in a grand ceremony. Devotees enter to offer their prayers, make offerings, and partake in the distribution of Prasad.
Why Ambubachi Mela is Celebrated?
The Ambubachi Mela celebrates the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya, believed to amplify her divine powers. This festival highlights the sacredness of feminine energy and fertility, essential elements of life and creation. It emphasizes reverence for natural processes and their spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. Devotees use this time to seek blessings, perform rituals, and commune with the divine feminine energy embodied by Kamakhya.
Tickets for Ambubachi Mela 2024
Tickets are not required to attend the Ambubachi Mela, and admission is free. However, due to the high number of visitors, it is advisable to plan your visit in advance. While official tickets for the festival itself are not necessary, some travel agencies may offer guided tours or special access passes for a more organized experience. It's recommended to check with local tour operators or temple authorities closer to the date for any updates or specific arrangements that may enhance your visit.
Story Behind Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple
The story of Maa Kamakhya Devi is a captivating blend of mythology and spirituality. According to legend, Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva, sacrificed herself due to her father's disrespect towards her husband. In his grief, Lord Shiva carried her body across the world, and parts of her body fell at various locations, now revered as Shakti Peethas. Kamakhya is where her yoni fell, symbolizing the seat of divine feminine power and fertility. This temple holds immense significance for devotees seeking blessings related to fertility, marriage, and overall well-being.
What Happens During the Ambubachi Mela?
During the Ambubachi Mela, the Kamakhya Temple becomes a bustling center of spiritual activity. The temple's closure for three days marks the goddess's menstruation, during which various rituals are performed. In addition to fasting and special prayers, devotees engage in meditation. The reopening of the temple is a grand event, attracting thousands of pilgrims who come to offer prayers and receive blessings. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, and the presence of Sadhus and Tantrics adds to the festival's mystique. The distribution of Prasad, traditional music, and dance performances further enrich the experience.
Why Should You Visit Ambubachi Mela?
Visiting the Ambubachi Mela offers a unique opportunity to witness one of India's most significant and spiritually charged festivals. The Mela provides a rare insight into Tantric traditions and the worship of the divine feminine. It is an event that blends spirituality, culture, and community, offering an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural enrichment, or simply wish to marvel at the grandeur of the Kamakhya Temple, the Ambubachi Mela is a must-visit event that promises to inspire and rejuvenate you.
Kamakhya Temple Timings
| DAYS | MORNING | EVENING |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 05:30 AM to 01:00 PM | 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM |
How to Reach Kamakhya Temple Guwahati
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | By Cab/Taxi or By Bus |
| By Rail | Nearest Railway Station is Guwahati Railway Station |
| By Air | Nearest Airport is Guwahati Airport |
Disclaimer: Dates and timings may be subject to change. Please refer to official sources before planning your visit.
For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes Events.?
