Why in the News?

Pilgrims have begun arriving in Guwahati, Assam, for the Ambubachi Mela, held annually at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most sacred centres of Tantric Shaktism in India.

About Ambubachi Mela:

• Festival Overview: Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fertility festival celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
• Timing and Season: It is held during the Assamese month of Ahaar (mid-June), coinciding with the monsoon season.
• Religious Significance: The festival marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya symbolising fertility and life-giving power.
• Ritual Closure: During the festival, the sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred chamber) of the temple is closed for three days to observe the goddess’s retreat.
• Ceremonial Reopening: The temple reopens ceremonially on the fourth day, when lakhs of devotees gather for darshan.
• Pilgrim Footfall: It is considered the largest religious gathering in Northeast India, with pilgrims arriving from across the country.
• Etymology: The name ‘Ambubachi’ literally means ‘water flowing’ (denoting menstruation and the flow of life).
• Spiritual Tradition: The practice is rooted in Tantric traditions (esoteric spiritual practices focusing on divine feminine energy).
• Cultural Observance: During this time, agricultural activities are halted to honour the goddess’s rest and align with nature’s rhythms.

Notable Features:

• No Idol Worship: No idol is worshipped; instead, the process of menstruation itself (biological and divine function) is venerated.
• Sacred Tokens: Devotees receive pieces of red cloth as sacred amulets.
• Spiritual Discipline: The mela includes ritual abstentions (temporary renunciation of daily activities), devotional silence, and spiritual observance (religious discipline).

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