Ambubachi Mela, Assam

Reckoned to be one of the major festivals in Northeast India, Ambubachi Mela is held in Guwahati, Assam. The festival is celebrated during the month of June in the Kamakhya Temple. Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng the temple; thus this mela can rightly be called the ‘Mahakumbh of the East’. It is believed that during this time of each year Goddess Kamakhya goes through her annual menstrual cycle. The temple remains closed for three days and is considered unclean, however the devotees throng the temple’s premises to seek Goddess’ blessing even though the doors are closed. It is also during this time of the year when the Tantrik Cult is seen performing various unusual rites. After three days the temple re-opens and the devotees are allowed to offer prayer to the deity.