Kamakhya Temple Reopens as Ambubachi Mela Concludes; Over Eight Lakh Devotees Attend Annual Festival

Guwahati: The famed Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill concluded on Friday with the reopening of the shrine doors, marking the end of the annual four-day observance during which the Goddess is believed to undergo her symbolic menstrual cycle.

Thousands of devotees queued up from the early hours of the morning to offer prayers as the temple reopened following the traditional ritualistic bath and special worship of Goddess Kamakhya.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that more than eight lakh devotees participated in this year’s festival, making it one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the state.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the Ambubachi Mela as a unique celebration with no parallel elsewhere, highlighting its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

“The underlying phenomenon behind the Ambubachi at Maa Kamakhya has no parallel anywhere. It is emblematic of the centrality of Nari Shakti in Assam’s civilisational heritage. Over the last few days, more than eight lakh devotees joined this unique celebration,” he said.

Temple authorities stated that the shrine would remain open until sunset, expressing hope that all devotees would be able to have a peaceful darshan.

The temple doors had remained closed since Monday evening, in keeping with centuries-old traditions associated with the annual festival. During this period, devotees believe Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstrual cycle, symbolizing fertility, creation and the regenerative power of nature.

The Ambubachi Mela is one of India’s most significant religious festivals, attracting pilgrims, ascetics, spiritual seekers and tourists from across the country and abroad every year.

The festival has witnessed steady growth in attendance. In 2025, *7,72,019 devotees, including **42 international visitors, attended the event, while **7,46,066 devotees, including **20 foreign nationals, participated in 2024. This year’s turnout of over *eight lakh marks another milestone for Assam’s globally renowned spiritual congregation.