Overview
- The Kamakhya Temple closed its main sanctum on Monday, June 22, suspending regular rituals for the traditional three-day Ambubachi observance tied to the goddess's annual menstruation.
- Temple authorities and local officials say more than seven to eight lakh devotees, sadhus and tantric practitioners have converged on Nilachal Hill, turning the mela into what commentators call a major Tantric congregation.
- The Assam government and the Kamrup (Metro) district administration have put in place security details, CCTV surveillance, medical teams, sanitation crews and traffic controls to manage the large crowds.
- With rituals paused, priests have shifted from ceremonial duties to hosting and guiding pilgrims from their homes while nearby hotels and homestays charge high seasonal rates that add pressure to local services.
- The shrine is due to reopen after purification rites on June 26 when traditional offerings such as Angodak and Angabastra will be distributed, closing a festival that both celebrates feminine fertility and tests Guwahati's infrastructure and tourism systems.