Things To Do at Ambubachi Mela 2024: Detailed Tour Guide

The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu religious festival held in the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati. The festival attracts so many religious devotees during the period that it creates a stampede-like situation. Often termed the ‘Kumbh Mela of Northeast India’, the Ambubachi Mela is unique, exotic and full of ancient customs and rituals.  The details of Ambubachi Mela 2024 have already been covered in another blog (link here). This particular blog provides a detailed tour guide on things to do at the Ambubachi Mela 2024.

Planning Your Trip To Ambubachi Mela

The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated during the monsoon season, typically in June. ‘Ambubachi Mela 2024’ is going to held from June 22, 2024 (Saturday) to June 26, 2024 (Wednesday).

From June 22 to June 25, 2024; the Kamakhya Temple will be closed. This year the Nivritti time (the time to open of the gate) is June 25, 2024/ 09:08 PM. However, the gates of the temple will be for public on June 26, 2024 from 6 AM onwards. So, to visit Kamakhya temple during Ambubachi Mela, you have to reach Guwahati by June 26, 2024. There is no advantage in visiting prior to that as the no visitor is allowed inside the temple complex during June 22,2024 to June 25(midnight).

How To Reach The Kamakhya Temple

To reach the Kamakhya Temple, travellers have convenient options via both railway and air.

For those opting for the railway, two primary stations are serving Guwahati: Guwahati Junction (GHY) and Kamakhya Station (KYQ). However, Kamakhya Railway Station stands out as the closest, merely a 14-minute drive away covering a distance of 6.1 kilometers. This station offers direct connectivity to major cities across the country.

Alternatively, for air travellers, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati serves as the nearest airport, approximately a 34-minute drive from the temple, spanning a distance of 20.4 kilometres.

Hotels and Accommodations Near Kamakhya Temple

Paying a visit to the Kamakhya temple during Ambubachi Mela is a hectic and time taking affair. You cannot just arrive at the airport/ railway station and move to the temple along with your luggage. You need to book a stay. It is advaisble that you book your stay at Guwahati on June 25, 2024. There are many hotels and guest houses along the route to Kamakhya temple. You can choose any one of them.

However, hotels near the temple is generally all packed during Ambubachi Mela. Further, rates are doubled as compared to normal times. So, please avoid booking a hotel near the temple and in Maligaon area.

Alternatively, you can opt for a regular hotel in the Paltan Bazaar area, where accommodations are affordable. This area offers both budget and luxury options. Additionally, the railway station is located in Paltan Bazaar, making travel convenient. It’s only a 20-minute journey from Paltan Bazaar to the Kamakhya gate.

Additionally, the Ambubachi Mahayog Parichalana Committee (AMPC) sets up campsites for devotees during the Ambubachi Mela. These campsites offer free accommodation and provide basic facilities such as water, electricity, and toilets.

In Ambubachi Mela 2023, two campsites were established at Pandu and Maligaon/Kamakhya Railway Station. For Ambubachi Mela 2024, three campsites are planned: at Pandu, Kamakhya Railway Station and Sonaram School Field. However, these campsites have no modern facility  and built only for those who cannot afford to book a hotel.

Visiting the Temple on D-Day i.e 26 June

So, the D-Day is 26 June, 2024. The temple opens at 6 AM. However. private vehicles are not allowed beyond Kamakhya Gate (situated on A.T. road). Private vehicles are allowed only up to Kamakhya gate from other parts of Guwahati city. You have to book your taxi to Kamakhya gate. If you are a local person from Guwahati, we advise you book a cab or tell your relatives to drop off at Kamakhya gate as there are limited parking facilities available.

From Kamakhya Gate to main temple, it is approx 3.2 km. You have no other option, but to go on foot. There will be thousands of devotees lining up near the gate on the wee hours of June 26. You have to join them. I repeat, there are no other option to reach the temple except on foot.

Starting Your Trek to The Temple

The road leading to the temple is well-paved, and the temple itself is located atop Nilachal Hill. You must begin your trek from the base, making it a challenging ascent both literally and metaphorically. The main shrine is elevated 800 feet above sea level.

It’s best to start your trek at 4 a.m., as June in Guwahati is very hot and humid. Check the weather updates in advance and prepare accordingly. We recommend starting your trek by 8 a.m. After sunrise, the climb becomes exhausting, and the increasing number of visitors can add to the stress. It will be a 2 hour trek on foot for an average guy.

The atmosphere of the place is incredible. You will be surrounded by hundreds of other devotees, yogis, babas, and tantrics, among others.

The air is filled with the scent of ash and marijuana (despite the smoking ban at the mela, many babas disregard the rules). Combined with the chants of Maa Kamakhya Devi, the experience is unique and must be felt in person. The two-hour trek will seem to fly by if you know how to immerse yourself in the moment.

The Alternative Route

There is a shorter alternative route, approximately 1.5 km long, but it is significantly steeper. This path is not recommended for children or the elderly. If you are accustomed to trekking in hilly areas, you can consider this route. Known as the ‘Mekhela Ujuwa Path,’ it features a steep ascent with more than three thousand steps leading to the temple. The rush is less in this route. Besides, along this route, you can enjoy the greenery of Nilachal hill and the majestic river Brahmaputra that flows by.

Entering the Temple Complex and Ticket Details

No special tickets are required for Ambubachi Mela 2024. Typically, the temple doors open at 7:30 AM. However, during the Mela, the Kamakhya Temple gates will open to the public between 8 AM and 9 AM, while priests can enter from 6 AM onwards.

To reach the temple by 9 AM, you should start your trek by 6:30 AM. Please note that VIP tickets for the Kamakhya Temple cannot be booked online during Ambubachi Mela.

Things To Do at Ambubachi Mela 2024

Participate in Rituals and Ceremonies

Experience the traditional rituals and ceremonies performed by priests and devotees. Witness the ‘Yogini Tantra’ rituals, the sacred closing and reopening of the temple, and various pujas conducted during the festival. The rituals of the temple can only be observed inside the main shrine. Outside, it is just hue and cry during the Mela.

Seek Blessings at the Kamakhya Temple

Visit the revered Kamakhya Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, to seek blessings from Goddess Kamakhya. The temple is especially significant during the Ambubachi Mela when it symbolizes the fertility of the Earth. It is said that the Maa Kamakhya blesses pious devotees (who have failed to progenitate) with children.

Observe the Aghoris and Sadhus

Encounter Aghoris, Sadhus, and Tantrics who gather at the Mela from all over India. Their unique lifestyles and spiritual practices provide a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich religious traditions.

Enjoy Cultural Performances

Experience traditional Assamese music, dance, and theatrical performances. These cultural showcases provide an enriching view of Assam’s heritage and artistic expressions. The traditional Deodhani Dance of Assam is very popular aming the masses during the Mela.

Participate in Meditation Sessions & Ritual Bathing

Join meditation sessions conducted by spiritual practitioners. These sessions offer a chance for inner reflection and peace amidst the bustling Mela environment.

Witness the ritual bathing in the Brahmaputra River, which many devotees believe purifies the soul. Participate if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s spiritual practices.

Collect The Ambubachi Prasad or Offering

After the visiting of temple, the devotees want to get a first glimpse of the yoni-shaped stone representing the goddess Kamakhya and  receive the sacred prasad of Kamakhya temple, Angodak and Angabastra. Angodak is the red colored Holy water of Maa Kamakhya Devi believed to be released during the three day menstruation. It is a mixture of holy water and sindoor (vermilion). Angabastra is the red cloth or ambubachi bastra. These special prasads of Kamakhya temple are hard to get until and unless you have good connections with the temple priests.. It is believed that a white cloth is placed around the sculpture of Yoni during the three day closure. However, after three days the cloth turns red. No one knows the actual reason for it. Legend has it that the blood discharge of the Devi during her periods is reason behind it.

Tips for Visitors:

• Start Early: Begin your day early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water to stay hydrated.
• Respect Customs: Follow local customs and temple etiquette.
• Check Weather: Prepare for weather conditions in advance.

Traffic Regulations During Ambubachi Mela 2024

• No vehicles shall be allowed to enter Kamakhya except ferry car vehicles, vehicles of essential services, temple staff, or residents of the locality.
• Goods-carrying vehicles will be banned on DG Road, MG Road, and AT Road, but three-wheeler commercial goods vehicles will be allowed from 12 AM to 6 AM.
• Interdistrict and long-distance buses shall be restricted on these roads from June 22, 2024 to June 26, 2024.
• The devotees coming in shall be dropped at Sonaram Field or Adabari Bus Stand according to their direction of arrival.
• Vehicles have been restricted from plying on the New Pandu To Kamakhya Road.

General Guides for Ambubachi Mela

The guidelines as per Ambubachi Mahayog Parichalana Committee (AMPC) are:

• There will no free lodging camp and free food distribution facilities for devotees in and around Nilachal Hill.
• Drinking water facilities, resting shades, medical camp and shoe counter will be set up at some points on the motorable road.
• Devotees after entering the Devalaya Campus will exit from the East and West gates after doing Parikrama.
• Due to traffic congestion and other problems, devotees will be permitted to enter Nilachal Hill upto 9 PM only.
• Keeping in view of the heavy rush, the committee appealed the general public not to come with little babies, aged persons and physically weak persons.
• The entire Nilachal Hill has been declared as no-smoking Zone. People under the influence of alcohol, drugs will not be allowed to enter Devalaya Complex.
• This year Devalaya has engaged 500 scouts/guides, 400 volunteers, 100 private security personnel besides 120 regular security personnel.
• For the devotees queuing up for darshan on the 26th June, temporary sheds, medical facilities, drinking water facilities are being set up at Bongshibagan area.