19/06/2021
Ambubachi Mela
Dates :
22/06/2021 - 26/06/2021
Location :
Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati
Ambubachi Mela is a Hindu fair held at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. It is among the biggest festivals of eastern India and the most important festival of Kamakhya Temple – one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of goddess Shakti. This is a ritual of asceses observed with Tantrik means. It is believed that the temple goddess - Devi Kamakhya goes through her annual menstruation cycle during this time. The Ta***ic cults worship Maa Kamakhya during the Ambubachi Mela as Kamakhya Devi is the region’s dominant Ta***ic tradition deity. Here, She is worshipped in the form of a yoni-like stone, instead of an idol. A natural spring flows over the Yoni. The account below throws more light on this unique festival.
When is Ambubachi Mela Celebrated?
The famous Ambubachi festival of Assam, which was scheduled to be held at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati from 22nd June to 26th June 2021, has been called off due to Covid-19 pandemic to avoid the possibility of the spread of Corona virus. The doors of the Kamakhya temple will remain closed for the public till June 30, 2021.
Why is Ambubachi Mela Celebrated?
It is the celebration of the yearly menstruation of goddess Kamakhya. The Mela is an energetic affair that carries a scenic celebratory view by ascetics, making it a huge and important gathering.
Significance of Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi concept originates with influences of agricultural, religious, and social beliefs. All these have collectively resulted in the emergence of the festive reason. Thus, it is taken as a symbol of religious consent. The word ‘Ambubachi’ means spoken with water. Also, it implies that monsoon at this time adds to the fertility of Mother Earth and prepares her for procreation. Mother Earth’s ‘menses’ becomes accessible to devotees at this site during the mela. Considered an auspicious period, during this time women pray for fertility. On the fourth day of the fair when the temple is open to the public, people get a cloth piece soaked in a liquid that is believed to be the goddess’s menstrual fluid.
Legend of Ambubachi Mela
As per the legends, Shakti surren