GUWAHATI: The Kamrup (Metro) district administration, Guwahati Traffic Police, and the Ambubachi Mahayog Management Committee on Thursday, June 18 announced a series of arrangements and advisories for the upcoming Ambubachi Mela 2026, aimed at ensuring smooth crowd management and the safety of lakhs of devotees expected to visit the Kamakhya Temple.
Among the key decisions, the management committee announced that no accommodation or food arrangements will be provided for pilgrims on Nilachal Hill this year. Authorities have also prohibited the distribution or sale of food items anywhere on the hill during the festival period.
Speaking on the matter, Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Swapneel Paul said there will be no designated bhandara (community meal) zones along the roads leading to the temple. He clarified that if any individual or organisation chooses to distribute food, it will be entirely on a personal basis and not under any official arrangement.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that only six drinking water stalls will be set up for devotees. According to him, food stalls at multiple locations have previously led to congestion and bottlenecks, hampering the movement of pilgrims and emergency services during the mela.
The restrictions are part of a broader strategy to streamline crowd flow and enhance safety during the annual religious congregation, one of the largest festivals in the region. Authorities have urged devotees and visitors to cooperate with the guidelines for the smooth conduct of the event.