Ambubachi Mela, also known as Ambubasi festival, is held annually during monsoon in the Kamakhya Devi Temple at Guwahati , Assam
Ambubachi Mela is also known as Ameti or Tantric fertility festival and is a four-day mela (fair). It is closely associated with the Tantric Shakti cult prevalent in eastern parts of India and is famous due to the assembling of Tantric Sadhus from India
The Tantric Sannyasins also attract the media and foreigners. And Tantric Babas performing numerous unique rituals and exercises are photographed and published in magazines and newspapers around the world. Tantrics, aghoris and sadhus perform havan, rituals, sing and dance during the period. Devotees come from far off places to meet the Tantric Sadhus and take their blessings. Apart from this, the festival is noted for its rural craft fair.
It is widely believed that Goddess Kamakhya goes through her yearly menstrual cycle during the Ambubachi days. The temple remains closed for three days – the menstruation period.
People in large numbers wait outside the temple on the fourth day, when the temple will be opened. Sannyasins and Pandas from around the country assemble at the Kamakhya temple during this period.
Many temples in the region remain closed during the three days. Ploughing fields or cutting earth is forbidden during these three days.
Many temples in the region remain closed during the three days. Ploughing fields or cutting earth is forbidden during these three days.
Large number of devotees make a mad rush when the temple reopens to receive the unique ‘prasad’ which is small bits of cloth, which is supposedly moist with the menstrual fluid of Goddess Kamakhya. It is considered highly auspicious and powerful.
The festival is observed during the monsoon season in the month of ‘Ashara’ as per Assamese/ Bengali calender beginning with the seventh day which falls around 21st or 22nd of June of Gregorian Calendar.
It is the time when Sun is in Zodiac of Mithuna and enters into the first Pada of Adra Constellation (but this rarely happens).
The traditional belief is that during this time, the Devi who is worshipped as the Mother Earth enters into the period of her annual mensuration. Ambubachi has a deep rooted connection with ancient agricultural concept which compares that Mother Earth to a fertile woman.
Devotees in large number wait to get a piece of cloth which is believed to be very auspicious and beneficial if tied onto one’s body.
When is Ambubachi Mela Observed?
Ambubachi is also known as 'Ameti' or 'Amoti'. It is the biggest religious congregation in northeast India. The word 'Ambu' means water and 'Vasi' or 'Bachi' means flowing.The festival is observed during the monsoon season in the month of ‘Ashara’ as per Assamese/ Bengali calender beginning with the seventh day which falls around 21st or 22nd of June of Gregorian Calendar.
It is the time when Sun is in Zodiac of Mithuna and enters into the first Pada of Adra Constellation (but this rarely happens).
The traditional belief is that during this time, the Devi who is worshipped as the Mother Earth enters into the period of her annual mensuration. Ambubachi has a deep rooted connection with ancient agricultural concept which compares that Mother Earth to a fertile woman.
Angavastra of Goddess Ambubachi - The blood stained cloth worn by Goddess
Another important aspect of Ambubachi is the highly regarded Angavastra or the Raktavastra, the piece of red cloth used to cover the Pithasthana of the temple during the first three days.Devotees in large number wait to get a piece of cloth which is believed to be very auspicious and beneficial if tied onto one’s body.
Other Information - Ambubachi Mela Trivia
- Nearly a million devotees visit the temple during the annual four-day fair.
- Naga Sadhus (naked babas) take part in the rituals. But, they won't be allowed to mingle with devotees and move around in the main venue. A separate zone is arranged for them in the western part of the temple in the Abhayananda Ashram.
- There will be no procession of Naga Sadhus this year.
- The annual fair attracts devotees from all parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Thousands of foreigners including researchers take part in the mela.
- Five camps are set up for devotees at Naharbari, Bangshibagan, Abhayananda Ashram, Siddheswari temple and Kamakhya Higher Secondary School.
- The entire Nilachal Hills, on which the Kamakhya Temple and a series of other temples are located, has been declared a no-tobacco zone.
- Use of plastic, polythene and other non-biodegradable items have been restricted in the entire Nilachal Hills.
- Over two hundred thousand people will be provided free meals twice a day.
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