Ambubachi Mela Begins at Kamakhya Temple, Celebrating Divine Menstruation Cycle

By Staff Reporter, Sentinel Assam
Published: 22 Jun 2025, 3:50 AM

Key Quote

“We are honoured to host one of India’s most unique celebrations of the divine feminine. Security and pilgrim welfare remain our top priorities,”
— Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Assam Police timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Festival Overview

• Dates: June 22–26, 2025 sentinelassam.com
• Location: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill, Guwahati
• Rituals Begin:
  • 08:43 AM: Snan (sacred bathing) and Nitya Puja (daily worship)
  • 2:56 PM: Pravritti – temple doors close, marking Goddess Kamakhya’s annual menstrual seclusion
• Reopening (Nivritti): Morning of June 26 after ritual cleansing and traditional bathing of the yoni-stone sentinelassam.com

5 Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Significance: Rooted in Tantric Shakti traditions, the mela honors the goddess’s creative power as a symbol of fertility and renewal en.wikipedia.org.
2. Mass Gathering: An estimated 22–24 lakh devotees expected; special camps, medical aid posts, and traffic regulations in place timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
3. Government Support: No VVIP passes issued; Rs 4.55 crore allocated for crowd management and safety measures timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
4. Cultural Statement: Contrasts widespread menstrual stigma by venerating menstruation as sacred, reinforcing Assam’s centuries-old traditions sentinelassam.comen.wikipedia.org.
5. Economic Impact: Local commerce—from handicrafts to hospitality—receives a significant boost, with Assam Tourism reporting a 30% uptick in bookings during the mela week tourism.assam.gov.in.

Historical Context

Ambubachi Mela, celebrated since at least the 9th century, marks the menstruation of Devi Kamakhya in the form of a yoni-shaped stone over a natural spring.

“This festival illustrates the earth’s fertile power during monsoon,” writes Dr. Dhirendra Sarma in the Journal of Assam Research Society (1968). en.wikipedia.org

What Happens Next?

• June 26 (Nivritti):
  • Ritual cleansing of the sanctum
  • Reopening ceremony with collective prayers and distribution of Angodak (holy spring water) and Angabastra (red cloth)
• Post-Mela Digest: Watch our Daily Digest for ongoing coverage of pilgrim testimonials, expert interviews, and cultural highlights.

Fact-Check