GUWAHATI: Ahead of the annual Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple starting June 22, government authorities have released a comprehensive set of guidelines and arrangements, in order to manage the massive crowds, ease traffic, and ensure a safe and comfortable visit for lakhs of devotees heading to the Nilachal Hills.
To accommodate the large influx of pilgrims arriving in the city, the government is setting up several support facilities.
Temporary shelters for devotees will be established at the Kamakhya Railway Station, Pandu Port, and Naharbari.
Since many pilgrims prefer to visit the temple barefoot, the administration will lay carpets along the entire stretch from the foothills of the Nilachal Hills up to the Kamakhya Temple.
The district administration, in coordination with the temple committee, will set up dedicated shoe and sandal stands at the foothills so visitors can safely store their footwear before beginning their walk.
To ensure crowd safety during the evening hours, strict timing rules will be enforced.
Devotees and visitors will not be permitted to walk from the foothills to the Kamakhya Temple after 6:00 PM on any of the festival days.
To prevent severe traffic jams and ensure smooth transit, several vehicle restrictions and alternative transport options have been put in place.
No private or commercial vehicles will be allowed to ply on the Nilachal Hills during the Ambubachi days. Only emergency and official vehicles, such as ambulances, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) vehicles, and police vehicles, will be granted access.
Vehicles carrying essential supplies will only be allowed to travel up the hill during the night, between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
The entire stretch leading to the Nilachal foothills has been strictly declared a "No Parking Zone." Visitors must park their vehicles at designated parking spaces identified at the Adabari Bus Stand and Boripara Field, among others.
To assist those who need special access, free ferry services will be provided from the Sonaram field in Bharalumukh. This service is exclusively reserved for government officials, physically challenged individuals, senior citizens, and media personnel.
Authorities have urged all devotees and local residents to cooperate with these guidelines to ensure the religious festival concludes smoothly and safely.