Guwahati: Tourism minister Ajanta Neog on Monday officially inaugurated the Ambubachi Mahayog, which is popularly known as Ambubachi Mela, on Monday seeking cooperation from all stakeholders in successfully organizing the fair and expecting around 8 lakh footfall from across the country and abroad.While addressing at the inauguration programme at Pandu Port, the minister said that around 7 lakh footfall was recorded in 2024 and over 7.5 footfall were recorded at the fair last year.“The origin of this Shakti Peeth can be traced back to centuries ago. The footfall has increased over the years remarkably. We are expecting at least 8 lakh footfalls this year,” she added.Neog said that Assam is known for ‘Atithi Deva Bhava’ and she appealed to everyone to ensure that every devotee coming to the temple during the fair must be treated well.She further said that the govt has emphasized proper crowd management, sanitisation and safety and security of the devotees.The doors of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple closed at 9:08pm on Monday, marking the belief that the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya will take place during this period, and will reopen on June 26 morning for the devotees.Devotees will be allowed to have darshan only after the ceremonial rituals associated with Goddess Kamakhya and the holy bath of Goddess.Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “On the sacred occasion of the holy Ambubachi Mahayoga of Mother Kamakhya enthroned on Neelachal, millions of obeisances at the feet of the Mother of the Universe.”On the occasion of this festival, he extended a hearty welcome to the devotees from across the world who have arrived in Assam.“May the grace-filled gaze of Mother Kamakhya fill everyone’s life with happiness, peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength-this is my prayer. Jai Maa Kamakhya,” the CM said.He has called upon all stakeholders and devotees to join hands in ensuring the smooth, safe and orderly conduct of this grand spiritual gathering.Three camps have been set up at three locations – near the Kamakhya railway station, Pandu and Naharbari for the devotees. A total of 500 CCTVs have been installed in and around the temple premises and 500 volunteers have been engaged for crowd management beside the police personnel.
