History & Traditions
According to Hindu mythology, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas, where the yoni (symbolic reproductive organ) of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Shiva’s Tandava. The temple, perched atop Nilachal Hills, symbolizes the union of feminine energy and the fertility of Mother Earth.
Every year, during the Assamese month of Ahaar (mid-June), devotees believe that Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstrual cycle. This sacred time is marked by the Ambubachi Mela, which lasts for four days. The temple remains closed for the first three days to signify the goddess’s period of seclusion and rest. During these days, all agricultural, domestic, and religious activities are suspended — symbolizing the pause in creation.
The faithful believe that during this period, Mother Earth herself becomes fertile, and the creative energy of the universe flows abundantly. On the fourth day, after purification rituals, the temple doors reopen to devotees, marking the goddess’s renewed vitality. This reopening is celebrated with joy, chants, and thousands of pilgrims gathering for darshan and Prasad.
Two special forms of Prasad are distributed — Angodak, the holy spring water that flows over the yoni stone, and Angabastra, a piece of the red cloth used to cover the Yoni during the menstruation period. Devotees believe both carry divine blessings and symbolize fertility and spiritual renewal.
The Ambubachi Mela is also called the Tantric Fertility Festival, as it attracts large numbers of Tantric practitioners and Sadhus from across India. Many of them appear in public only during these four days, performing intense yogic and spiritual practices. Some are known for performing acts of endurance and penance, symbolizing control over the physical body and devotion to divine power.
Throughout the Mela, the Kamakhya temple complex transforms into a vibrant spiritual fairground. Pilgrims, householders, and even foreigners come together, united by faith. Devotional songs, spiritual discourses, and rituals fill the air, making Ambubachi not just a festival but a collective awakening of spiritual energy.
For locals, the festival holds immense cultural significance. During the three days of seclusion, people refrain from cooking, reading holy books, or performing puja. Families eat fruits and simple food, reflecting purity and restraint. On the day the temple reopens, a wave of celebration spreads across Assam — symbolizing the renewal of life, fertility, and cosmic balance.
The Kamakhya Temple’s sanctum is unique — there is no idol of the goddess. Instead, she is worshipped in the form of a yoni-like stone over which a natural spring flows, representing continuous life and creation. This connection of divine femininity with nature’s cycles makes Ambubachi one of India’s most meaningful and symbolic festivals.
Today, Ambubachi Mela is not only a deeply religious occasion but also a cultural tourism attraction that draws lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad. The festival promotes awareness about menstrual health and feminine divinity, challenging taboos through ancient wisdom. The government of Assam and local authorities provide facilities and arrangements to accommodate the vast crowd each year.
In essence, Ambubachi Mela is a celebration of life, fertility, and the eternal feminine power. It reinforces the belief that divinity lies within the cycles of nature, reminding humanity to honor both the physical and spiritual aspects of creation. For devotees of Maa Kamakhya, attending Ambubachi is not merely a ritual — it is an experience of divine connection and renewal that transcends religion and geography.
Quick Info Table – Ambubachi Mela (Ambubasi Festival)
Event Name: Ambubachi Mela (Ambubasi Festival)
Location: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hills, Guwahati, Assam
Occasion: Annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya Devi
Duration: 4 days (Temple closed for 3 days; reopens on the 4th day)
Month of Celebration: Mid-June (Hindu month of Ahaar or Asadha)
Cultural Significance: Celebrates the divine fertility and creative energy of Goddess Shakti
Festival Type: Tantric Fertility Festival and Spiritual Gathering
Key Rituals: Temple closure, purification, bathing of the Goddess, reopening ceremony, Prasad distribution
Special Prasad: Angodak (holy spring water) and Angabastra (red cloth covering the Yoni)
Devotees: Tantrics, sadhus, householders, and international visitors
Main Belief: Goddess Kamakhya undergoes her annual menstrual cycle; earth becomes fertile again after three days
Associated Deity: Maa Kamakhya Devi (Shakti Peeth of Goddess Sati)
Tourism Highlight: Lakhs of pilgrims visit from across India and abroad
Ambubachi Mela (Ambubasi Festival) FAQs
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What is Ambubachi Mela?Ambubachi Mela is a four-day festival at Kamakhya Temple celebrating the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.
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Where is Ambubachi Mela celebrated?It is celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Assam.
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When does Ambubachi Mela take place?The festival is held annually in mid-June, during the Assamese month of Ahaar or Asadha.
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Why is Kamakhya Temple closed during Ambubachi Mela?The temple remains closed for three days to honor the goddess’s menstrual seclusion.
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What is the significance of Ambubachi Mela?It celebrates fertility, feminine power, and the creative energy of Mother Earth.
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Who visits Ambubachi Mela?Millions of devotees, including Tantrics, Sadhus, and pilgrims from across India and abroad, attend.
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What are Angodak and Angabastra?Angodak is holy water from the temple spring, and Angabastra is a piece of red cloth used during the rituals.
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Is Ambubachi Mela related to Tantra?Yes, it is closely associated with the Tantric Shakti cult and its spiritual practices.
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How long does Ambubachi Mela last?It lasts for four days — three days of temple closure and one day of reopening celebrations.
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What happens when the temple reopens?Devotees gather for darshan, rituals are performed, and Prasad is distributed to mark the goddess’s purification.
