There are 51 Shaktipeeths of the goddess located throughout India, with one being the temple of Kamakhya Devi. An annual fair is held at this temple, attracting a large number of people from all over the country. This year, the fair is commencing today in Guwahati, Assam. Kamakhya Devi is revered as Maa Durga at this site, believed to be where a part of Mata Sati's vagina fell. Devotees come to worship the fallen vagina (womb) of Goddess Sati, who is venerated as Goddess Kamakhya.
The Maha Ambubachi fair will take place at Kamakhya Dham from June 22 to June 26 this time. This Shaktipeeth of the goddess is situated on Nilachal Hill in Assam, approximately seven to eight kilometers from Guwahati city near Dispur, the capital of Assam. All arrangements for the fair have been finalized, with the Assam government and the Kamakhya Temple Management Committee coordinating the festivities and ensuring tight security measures.
Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Barua confirmed that all relevant departments are ready for the annual festival. He mentioned that the state government and various departments are actively involved in the preparations. The Kamakhya temple doors will be open on June 26 and 27 without any VIP passes for darshan. The head priest of the historic temple, Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi, announced that this year's Ambubachi fair will conclude on June 22 at quarter to four in the morning.
The main entrance of the temple will then remain closed for three days and three nights. The fair will officially end on June 26, with rituals and worship following the reopening of the temple gate. The Assam government and district administration are providing support in terms of security, transportation, and food arrangements. During Ambubachi, all agricultural activities are prohibited, and daily worship is paused.
After the fourth day, the purification rituals begin, signifying the commencement of Goddess Kamakhya's worship and the temple's auspicious entry. The Ambubachi Mela attracts numerous Tantrikas from across the country, as the Kamakhya temple is known as a focal point of Tantric Shaktism.
Many pilgrims, including Sadhus, Sanyasis, Aghoris, Bauls, Tantriks, Sadhvis, visit from West Bengal to engage in spiritual practices during this significant period.