Guwahati: Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog on Monday (June 22, 2026) inaugurated the Ambubachi Mahayog, popularly known as the Ambubachi Mela, at Pandu Port and called for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful festival, expecting about 8 lakh visitors from across India and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Neog recalled the ancient origin of the Kamakhya Shakti Peeth and said pilgrimage numbers have risen sharply in recent years. She noted that around 7 lakh devotees attended in 2024 and that attendance exceeded 7.5 lakh last year. “The origin of this Shakti Peeth can be traced back to centuries ago. The footfall has increased over the years remarkably. We are expecting at least 8 lakh footfalls this year,” she said.
Neog urged citizens and organisers to follow Assam’s tradition of Atithi Deva Bhava — treating visitors as gods — and appealed for respectful and humane treatment of every devotee. She added that the state government has prioritised crowd management, sanitation, and the safety and security of pilgrims.
The temple’s sanctum sanctorum was closed at 9:08 pm on Monday, a ritual observance marking the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. The shrine is scheduled to reopen on the morning of June 26, 2026, after ceremonial rites and the holy bath of the Goddess; darshan will be permitted only after these rituals are completed.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended a warm welcome to devotees who have arrived from around the world, offering prayers for their well‑being. “May the grace‑filled gaze of Mother Kamakhya fill everyone’s life with happiness, peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength — Jai Maa Kamakhya,” he said, and called on stakeholders and visitors to help maintain order, safety and decorum during the gathering.
Authorities have set up three aid camps near Kamakhya railway station, Pandu and Naharbari to assist pilgrims. For security and crowd control, 500 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the temple premises and 500 volunteers have been deployed alongside police personnel.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/neog-opens-ambubachi-mela-seeks-stakeholder-support/articleshow/131916629.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-06-22 22:53:00
