Thousands of devotees have gathered at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, to offer prayers ahead of the annual Ambubachi Mela [1].
The event is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region, marking the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. Because the festival attracts a massive influx of pilgrims, temple authorities must coordinate extensive security and logistical preparations to manage the crowds.
Located on the Nilachal Hills, the temple has seen a steady increase in visitors leading up to the event. Reports indicate that large numbers of devotees visited the shrine as early as June 7, 2026 [1], with further surges in attendance recorded on June 18, 2026 [2].
There are conflicting reports regarding the exact start date of the festival. Some sources said the event began on June 18, 2026 [2], while others said it is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026 [3]. Regardless of the start date, the festival is observed over a duration of four days [4].
Temple officials said lakhs of devotees, amounting to hundreds of thousands of people, are expected to attend the festivities [4]. The Ambubachi Mela is a central pillar of local faith, drawing practitioners from across India to the sacred site on the Nilachal Hills [5].
Preparations for the four-day event include managing the flow of pilgrims, and ensuring the sanctity of the rituals associated with the goddess's cycle [1]. The surge in visitors reflects the enduring cultural and spiritual importance of the shrine in Assam [3].
“Lakhs of devotees are expected to attend the festivities.”
The Ambubachi Mela is a rare example of a major religious festival centering on menstruation, making it a focal point for both traditional Hindu worship and studies of gender-related spirituality. The scale of the event, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to a hilltop temple, creates significant temporary infrastructure and security challenges for the city of Guwahati.
