GUWAHATI: The Kamakhya Temple will close its doors to devotees at 10:08 PM on June 22 as the annual Ambubachi Mela begins, and will reopen to the public on June 26 following the completion of the sacred rituals.
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The temple will remain closed on June 23, 24 and 25, marking the period during which Goddess Kamakhya is believed to undergo her annual menstruation cycle. The reopening of the temple on June 26 will signal the culmination of one of the most significant religious gatherings in eastern India.
With only seven days remaining for the festival, a large number of devotees, sadhus and saints from across the country and abroad have already started arriving at the Nilachal Hills to participate in the annual event.
Speaking to the media, members of the Kamakhya Temple Management Committee said that the Ambubachi Mahayog Management Committee has been constituted to ensure the smooth conduct of the mela. Various departments and agencies have already begun making arrangements to handle the expected influx of pilgrims.
Authorities have set up pandals in different areas of the premises and roads, set up drinking water facilities along the routes leading to the temple and arranged medical assistance for devotees. CCTV cameras have also been installed at key locations to strengthen surveillance and security during the event.
Officials said personnel from the Assam Police, Guwahati Police, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and other government agencies have been deployed and are working in coordination to ensure proper crowd management, sanitation, healthcare and security throughout the festival.