As the Ambubachi Mela approaches, the Kamrup Metropolitan District administration has announced the suspension of VIP passes for Maa Kamakhya Darshan from June 21 to June 30, 2024.
This decision, detailed in a notification issued on Wednesday, comes in anticipation of the significant influx of devotees expected to attend the event, which will begin on June 22 and conclude on June 26.
The notification also states that no car passes will be issued during this period. "In view of the Ambubachi Mela 2024 and the anticipated influx of lakhs of devotees attending this significant event, the issuance of VIP passes for Maa Kamakhya Darshan will be suspended from 21/06/2024 to 30/06/2024.
Additionally, there will be no provision for the issuance of car passes from the District Administration during this period. All concerned departments, organisations, and agencies are hereby requested to take note and comply accordingly," the notification reads.
Preparations for Ambubachi Mela 2024 are in full swing, with Guwahati already witnessing the arrival of numerous tourists and Naga Sadhus. The four-day festival at the historic Kamakhya temple is expected to draw over 30 lakh visitors this year.
A senior official from the Ambubachi Mahavog Parichalana stated, "Till today, more than 300 Naga babas have arrived. They started coming from June 16."
Ambubachi Mela celebrates the annual menstruation cycle of goddess Kamakhya. During this period, daily worship is suspended, and agricultural activities like digging, ploughing, sowing, and transplanting of crops are forbidden.
The Brahmaputra River, near the temple, turns red for three days, symbolising the goddess's cycle. Devotees believe that this time allows access to the creative and nurturing power of the earth's 'menses'.
The goddess Kamakhya, the Mother Shakti, is worshipped not in idol form but as a yoni-like stone with a natural spring flowing over it. The mela draws devotees seeking blessings from this powerful feminine force.
In addition to the district administration and police, the rescue and management operations for the event involve the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Travel Agents' Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats, and volunteers.
The event holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, attracting devotees from across the country to participate in the rituals and seek the goddess's blessings. The Ambubachi Mela continues to be a vital part of Assam's cultural heritage.
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