Guwahati: The Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills once again transformed into a sea of devotion as more than 8 lakh pilgrims from across India and abroad gathered for the annual Ambubachi Mela, held from June 22 to 26.
Well-known as one of the most significant Tantric fertility festivals in the country, the occasion marks the yearly menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising womankind and shakti (feminine power).
In an interaction with Business North East (BNE), Himadri Sarma, the Soru Doloi (senior temple custodian) of Kamakhya Devalaya, confirmed, “As many as 8 lakh people have visited the temple this year. Last year we had almost the same numbers. The difference lies in the better arrangements and flow of devotees this time.”
The Assam government allocated Rs. 4.55 crore for the smooth implementation of the mela, which has been officially renamed the “Ambubachi Mahayog” to highlight its deeper spiritual significance.
Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass had earlier announced that 24 departments were working in close coordination, with pre-event review meetings held under the management of top officials counting the Kamrup Metro DC, the Director of Tourism, and the Chairman of APDCL.
Key infrastructural and logistic arrangements were in place this year to address past challenges. Over 3,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to manage crowd control, supported by an integrated command center with 24x7 CCTV surveillance. Makeshift shelters, drinking water stations, and bio-toilets were installed through the Nilachal Hills to lodge the arrival of pilgrims.
Special stress was laid on inclusivity, with dedicated volunteers and battery-operated vehicles arranged for differently-abled devotees and senior citizens. Medical camps were set up by the Health Department, and ambulances were stationed at strategic points to ensure quick response in emergencies.
Despite sporadic rain during the festival, traffic was managed efficiently, with the Kamrup Metro administration temporarily closing landslide-prone roads for vehicular access while keeping them open to foot pilgrims. Alternative pedestrian routes were made operational to minimise crowding.
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Temple authorities, echoing the government’s sentiments, emphasized the spiritual depth of the event. “Though popularly called a mela, it is in fact a Mahayog - a sacred period when planetary alignments intensify spiritual vibrations. It’s a time for penance, reflection, and inner awakening,” said one of the senior priests.
The Ambubachi Mahayog has arose as a major religious tourism draw for Assam, contributing significantly to the local economy through hospitality, transportation, and small-scale vendors.
The Assam Tourism Development Corporation said that the 2024 mela drew close to 7 lakh pilgrims, including spiritual searchers from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and a trickle from the West.
With over 8 lakh devotees in 2025, the time has repeated its build as one of India's most spiritually exciting meetings second only to the Kumbh Mela in terms of footsteps. Plans are previously being reflected for more enduring infrastructure and global raise of the Mahayog in the imminent years.
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