Guwahati, Assam – The revered Kamakhya Temple, perched atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, becomes the epicenter of devotion and spiritual fervor every year during the Ambubachi Mela, one of the most significant religious gatherings in Northeast India. Drawing lakhs of devotees, sadhus, and tourists from across the country and abroad, this festival celebrates the menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and the power of creation.
In 2025, the Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple is expected to be celebrated from June 22 to June 26.
Here’s the usual schedule:
June 22, 2025 – Temple doors close (marking the beginning of the goddess’s annual menstruation period)
June 25, 2025 – End of the seclusion period
June 26, 2025 – Temple doors reopen to devotees, marking the most auspicious day of the mela
These dates may vary slightly based on traditional calculations and the Assamese calendar (Ambubachi begins on the seventh day of the Hindu month of Ahaar). It’s always best to confirm closer to the date through official temple announcements.
The Ambubachi Mela typically takes place during the monsoon season in June and marks the annual menstrual cycle of the presiding deity, Goddess Kamakhya, who is considered a form of Shakti. Unlike other festivals that focus on birth or harvest, Ambubachi uniquely acknowledges the creative and regenerative power of the feminine, rooted deeply in tantric practices and ancient traditions. During this period, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is closed for three days to symbolize the goddess’s rest, and no agricultural work is undertaken in reverence to her.
After the three-day ritual seclusion, the temple doors are reopened on the fourth day, marking a massive influx of pilgrims who gather to receive blessings and the special ‘prasad’ associated with the goddess’s power. It is estimated that around 7 lakh people attended the event last year, with similar or even larger crowds expected this year.
The mela is not only a religious gathering but also a cultural event where mystics, Aghoris, and tantrics converge, giving the festival an esoteric dimension that attracts spiritual seekers and researchers alike. Temporary camps, community kitchens, and medical centers are set up to accommodate the massive crowds.
Over the years, the Assam government and temple authorities have taken significant steps to manage the increasing footfall with improved facilities, crowd control measures, and sanitation services.
For many, the Ambubachi Mela is more than just a pilgrimage—it is a celebration of womanhood, nature’s rhythms, and the powerful, unifying force of faith that draws people to Kamakhya year after year.
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