Ambubachi Mela 2026 – Kamakhya Temple Festival Dates, Rituals & Significance

 

Location

• Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam.
• One of the most important Shakti Peethas in India.

Festival Dates (2026)

• June 22 – June 26, 2026
• Celebrated annually in mid-June, marking the symbolic menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya.

Ritual Schedule

• June 22 (Afternoon): Temple doors close, symbolizing the start of the goddess’s menstruation.
• June 23–25: Temple remains closed; devotees observe spiritual seclusion (no cooking, puja, or reading holy texts).
• June 26 (Morning): Temple reopens after ritual purification; devotees allowed darshan and receive prasad.

Beliefs & Significance

• The mela celebrates the fertility aspect of Mother Earth, symbolized through the goddess’s cycle.
• Devotees believe blessings during this period bring prosperity, fertility, and spiritual renewal.
• The mela is often called the “Mahakumbh of the East”, drawing thousands of sadhus, tantrics, and pilgrims.

Rituals

• Seclusion: Temple closed for three days; devotees mirror the goddess’s rest by pausing rituals.
• Purification: On reopening, the goddess is bathed and adorned, symbolizing restored purity.
• Darshan & Prasad: Pilgrims receive special blessings and sacred offerings.

Festival Atmosphere

• Thousands of ascetics, sadhus, and devotees gather, creating a vibrant spiritual fair.
• Discourses, tantric practices, and devotional singing take place around the temple precincts.

Tips

• Best Time to Arrive: Before June 22 to witness the closing rituals.
• Accommodation: Guwahati offers hotels, guesthouses, and dharmashalas; book early due to heavy crowds.
• Dress Code: Modest, traditional attire recommended.
• Local Customs: Respect the period of seclusion—avoid cooking or puja if following tradition.
• Nearby Attractions: Umananda Temple, Navagraha Temple, and the Brahmaputra riverfront.