Come Closer To Divinity in Assam

The lush green hills of Neelanchal in Guwahati, Assam, become a favoured destination for lakhs of Hindu priests, sadhus and ascetics during the monsoons, usually in the month of June. They come here not to enjoy the beauty of its breathtaking views but out of reverence for goddess Parvati who is said to reside in the Kamakhya Temple here. This is also the time of the famous Ambubasi mela that sees people flocking to Guwahati not just from across the country but from foreign lands too.

Photo Credit: Dipantar Borah / Wikimedia

About the Mela

The Ambubasi mela is an important date in the Hindu calendar. Not only is it related to goddess Parvati but also to the tantric sect of Hinduism. During this time, the Kamkhya Temple in Guwahati closes its doors to devotees for three days, believed to be the time during which the goddess is going through her menstrual cycle. It is only on day four that the temple allows devotees to make offerings to the deity. The three days preceding this however are a happy occasion for local craftsmen to do brisk business. Owing to the thousands of people arriving at the venue daily, there is a fine display of local art and craft for sale, which is one of the special highlights of the festival. It is also well-known for the tantric prayers, chants and rituals that are performed by priests during this time. They present particularly interesting photo opportunities for journalists and photography enthusiasts and images of the festival are usually carried in magazines and newspapers across the world. Visiting the festival is a great way to begin any tour of Assam and also a unique learning experience for those who wish to know more about local Assamese culture and traditions.

Photo Credit: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia

Visit Guwahati

The Ambubasi mela can become a great reason to visit the beautiful state of Assam. While there is a lot to do in the state, the capital Guwahati itself can keep visitors occupied for long. Its many temples, monuments, forests and parks are treasure troves waiting to be explored as is the sumptuous Assamese cuisine. Besides the Kamkhya Temple, visit the famous Nabagraha Temple or the temple of nine planets on Chitra Chal hill, or the beautiful Umananda Temple on Peacock Island bang in the middle of the Brahmaputra River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and owing to its fascinating location, it is quite popular with tourists who must be ferried across on boats from Kachari ghat. The temple is also famous for golden langurs, which can be found here in plenty. Another great spot is Basista Ashram named after the famous sage Vashishtha who is believed to have lived here. A picturesque spot that marks the meeting of three tiny rivers, it is great for outdoor picnics and some good views. Those interested in a bit of history must not miss out on exploring Madan Kamdev, an archaeological ruin some 40 kilometres from Guwahati. Other interesting destinations include the temples of Hajo, Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, the Assam Zoo, Nehru Park and the Assam State Museum.

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