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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ambubachi Mela 2025: Dates, rituals, and cultural significance
Credit: Getty Images Menstruation continues to be shrouded in stigma and restrictive behaviour in many parts of India, but there is one region that bucks the trend in the strongest possible way with worship. In Assam, menstruation is not avoided, but celebrated and honoured. This distinctive view comes alive during the Ambubachi Mela, a holy festival observed each year at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Here, the natural process of the woman's body is revered as sacred, a sharp contrast to the hush and taboo that usually greets it elsewhere. About sacred mela Situated on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, the Kamakhya Temple is a grand representation of divine feminine and spiritual power. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this holy place attracts millions of devotees from all over the globe. Its most important festival is the Ambubachi Mela, an ancient and distinctive festival that celebrates the menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya. The 2025 festival will be a grand celebration of devotion, tradition, and cultural liveliness from June 22 to June 26. The Spiritual Significance Credit: Getty Images "Ambubachi" roughly translates to "spoken with water," referring to both the monsoon and the menstruation of the goddess. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Зачем на ночь сжигают лавровый лист? Undo The festival celebrates the yearly menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. It has its origins in Tantric mythology and tradition, representing Earth's fertility and creative potency. Legend has it that the yoni (womb) of Goddess Sati fell here during Shiva's Tandava dance. The festival gives respect for fertility, rebirth, and the protective forces of nature. Historically, it was also a period when agricultural activities came to a standstill. Ambubachi is not just a festival; it is a recognition of a natural biological phenomenon. The goddess's menstruation has been considered as a sign of creation, care, and change. The divine power is considered to be focused inside the temple during this time. The 2025 Schedule: Dates and Rituals The Ambubachi Mela 2025 will be held between June 22 and June 26. It starts at 8:43 AM on June 22 with the start of Snan (sacred bathing) and Nitya Puja (daily worship). The temple is closed to all people during these days since the goddess marks her menstruation period. The closing represents a time of rest, cleansing, and respect for the divine cycle. Credit: Getty Images The doors of the temple are closed around 6 AM on June 25, when the menstruation of the goddess is over and the ritual period concludes. On that day, the temple is cleansed, and the devotees are allowed to enter again. The re-entry is celebrated with fanfare, offerings, and prayers. What to expect during Ambubachi 2025 Attendees can anticipate a vibrant mix of spirituality, cultural festivities, and community gatherings. The atmosphere around Kamakhya Temple during the festival is charged with devotion, chanting, incense, and traditional music. Devotees, sadhus, tantriks, and curious visitors from across India and beyond converge here, creating a melting pot of cultures and faiths. Credit: Getty Images In Assam, the mindset regarding menstruation is more liberal than in much of India, where taboos result in prohibition and shaming. The festival's commemoration of "Rakta Bastar" (the goddess's blood) speaks to the festival's theme of respect for feminine power. Both women and men are allowed to come and participate in the celebration, which is a reminder of the universal nature of feminine power and spiritual awakening. This centuries-old custom, now also known as the "Mahakumbh of the East," beckons all to ponder the cycle of birth, rebirth, and holiness of natural existence. As the countdown begins, set your calendars for June 22-26, 2025, and soak in the spiritual magnificence and cultural diversity of Ambubachi. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a deep celebration bring forth natural biological functions to a higher plane. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Ascetics from across the country arrive at Kamakhya
1 2 3 4 5 6 Guwahati: Kamakhya temple is witnessing a surge in the number of sadhus present in the premises as the Ambubachi Mahayog, previously known as Ambubachi Mela, approaches. The annual spiritual congregation at the Kamakhya temple, set to commence on June 22, marks the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. The festivities attract people in large numbers from various parts of the country. During the four-day-long Mahayog, which will conclude on June 26, the temple will remain closed for three days before reopening on the final day. Pilgrims have been arriving in large numbers from distant states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. "This sacred time represents the divine power in its most potent form. I have been coming here for the past three years. The spiritual energy here during Ambubachi is unmatched anywhere else in the world. I am a son of Maa Kamakhya, and I have submitted myself to her," said a sadhu who has travelled from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Madhab Yati, another sadhu from Rajasthan, said, "Maa Kamakhya calls her children during this auspicious period. I have been coming here since 1998, and it is only because of Maa Kamakhya's blessing that I am able to come here every year. The blessings received here purify the soul." "I will leave this material world the same way I came to it. I'm waiting for Maa's call; the day she calls me, I will happily submit myself to her. One day, everyone will have to go through this process. Nobody can take anything with them after death," A sadhu from West Bengal said. "Last year we witnessed over 20 lakh devotees. We expect the same or a greater number of people this year as well. Arrangements are being made by authorities for the smooth commencement of Ambubachi Mahayog," said Subhash Sarma, a pujari of the temple. A pilgrim from West Bengal said their group has been instructed by the police to board an official vehicle which will take them to Pandu, where a camp has been set up to host pilgrims.
