Latest news with #AmbubachiMahayog
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Devotees arrive at Nilachal Hills for Ambubachi mahayog
1 2 Guwahati: As the Ambubachi Mahayog, the annual spiritual congregation, begins on Sunday, thousands of devotees from across the country have started arriving at the Nilachal Hills, home to the ancient Kamakhya Temple. The four-day festival marks the annual menstruation cycle of the goddess Kamakhya, making it one of the most significant spiritual gatherings in the northeastern state. Kabindra Prasad Sarma, bor doloi (head priest) of the temple, said the Mahayog is scheduled to commence at 2:56 pm on Sunday and will conclude at 3:00 am on June 26. The areas of Bharalu, Bhutnath, Maligaon, and Adabari are already witnessing a massive influx of devotees who have begun arriving from Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, settling there ahead of the Mahayog. Temporary tents and bhandaras (community kitchens) have been set up in these localities to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The streets and open spaces in these areas are brimming with activity as the crowd continues to swell with each passing hour, indicating the scale of participation this year. While some have consistently run community kitchens over the years, this year many have stepped up for the first time, claiming they are inspired by the spirit of service during the Ambubachi. "This is the first time we opened a stall, where we will be serving food and water to the pilgrims. We pooled in the necessary resources and got our tent registered at the district administration's office," said Anuvaa Dutta, a resident from Adabari. Meanwhile, Bishwajit Paul, a resident of Pandu who sets up a community kitchen near Pandu Port, said they usually begin operations on the day of the Mahayog. However, due to the overwhelming crowd this year, they were compelled to open a day in advance. "Earlier, tents used to be set up at both Pandu Port and the Kamakhya Railway Station, but this time, the majority of devotees are staying in tents erected on the port premises itself. So, we had to open the gates today. Starting Sunday, we will be serving three meals a day, along with drinks and snacks," he said. Paul also added that the cost of running the community kitchen is very high, as last year, their daily expenditure went up to Rs 1.20 lakh, and this time, they are expecting it to rise even further.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
City traffic police issue advisory to combat congestion
Guwahati: Ahead of the annual Ambubachi Mahayog at Kamakhya temple, Guwahati traffic police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth vehicular movement and safety of pilgrims. The advisory will be effective from Sunday till Wednesday. Looking to prevent bottlenecks, vehicles without a valid ferry pass, which is issued by the district administration, will be barred from entering the Nilachal foothills. While those who have their passes, will have their movement restricted between 5 pm and 10 pm. Only authorised vehicles and emergency services, including ambulances, fire tenders and those transporting oxygen or any life saving drugs, will be allowed. The advisory also states that no vehicles will be allowed to park or ply along Pandu Port Road as it will be reserved for any emergency movement. Additionally, parking will not be allowed along several other key roads, including the Nilachal flyover, elevated corridor of the Bharalumukh, Borbazar Road, beginning from Maligaon Chariali, and DG road. The stretch underneath the Nilachal flyover has been designated as a restricted parking zone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists: 1 Teaspoon of This Before Bed Melts Belly Fat Like Crazy Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo Vehicles coming from either Bharalumukh or Jalukbari have been advised to use the Nilachal flyover, before dropping off the devotees near the Northeast Frontier Railway headquarter in Maligaon. As per the advisory, the Adabari bus stand and the Boripara field have been designated as parking spots for these vehicles. Meanwhile, those travelling by city buses, from either Bharalumukh or Jalukbari, will have to take the Nilachal flyover carriageway while avoiding the service road. The route will culminate near the Boripara police point. Movement of commercial and goods vehicles, including carts and three-wheelers, have been restricted between 5 am to 11 pm on major roads like the AT Road, MG Road and DG Road, as well as routes connecting to Pandu Port Road. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter the city from NH-27 and move towards Gosala via Tetelia. The officials have also urged those heading to the airport to plan in advance and take the NH-27 to avoid delays.
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.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Cops, SDRF personnel to ensure safety of devotees attending Ambubachi Mela
Guwahati: As the city prepares to host the annual Ambubachi Mahayog, one of the largest spiritual congregations held at the Kamakhya temple, Assam Police on Monday announced a series of measures that will be put in place to ensure safety of the devotees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Every year, the temple draws over 20 lakh pilgrims from different states and countries, with numbers steadily increasing in recent times. However, the Nilachal hill — where the temple is located — remains prone to landslides, having witnessed several such incidents in the past. The alternate route to the temple, which goes through Pandu college road, will also remain closed. City police commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta said in the landslide vulnerable zones, police officers and State Disaster Rescue Force (SDRF) personnel would be stationed to ensure the safety of devotees. Mahanta added that the road leading to the temple will remain accessible to devotees from 5 am to 6 am from June 22. He said entry would be prohibited beyond official hours for safety and crowd control. "The devotees will commence their pilgrimage on foot from the foothills, as vehicular movement will be restricted after a certain point. City traffic police has also planned specific routes to manage traffic," the commissioner added. He said security arrangements for this year's congregation have been strengthened compared to previous years. This is in view of the significant rise in the number of devotees, particularly over the last two years, when attendance crossed 22 to 24 lakh. "Every year, we see large groups of pilgrims arriving in clusters, often leading to chaos that inconveniences locals and others in the area. This time, we will ensure that such disruptions are avoided and the spiritual atmosphere of the Mahayog remains undisturbed," he added. For the four-day-long event, the gates of the sanctum santorum will be closed from 2.56 pm on June 22 to the morning hours of June 26. Mahanta added that no VVIP passes will be issued during the event, and for two days after the conclusion.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Time of India
City gears up for Ambubachi Mela, dist admin to inspect today
Guwahati: With the four-day-long Ambubachi Mahayog, previously known as Ambubachi Mela, scheduled from June 22 to June 26, the city is making extensive preparations for the annual spiritual congregation at the Kamakhya temple to mark the revered menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the Kamrup (Metro) district administration is slated to conduct an inspection on Monday, officials have confirmed that camps capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 devotees have been set up near the Kamakhya railway station and Pandu ghat, and these will become operational from June 20. Furthermore, medical camps staffed with doctors and essential medicines will be established to cater to the devotees' health needs. To ensure round-the-clock monitoring and security, about 300 CCTV cameras are being installed in and around the temple premises. Kabindra Prasad Sarma, the head priest of the temple, said the temple doors will close at 2:56 PM on June 22 and will reopen on the morning of June 26, after the completion of the rituals. With an estimated 25 lakh devotees attending last year, comprehensive preparations are underway to ensure their convenience, he added. Recognizing the discomfort of walking barefoot in intense heat, approximately 3.5 km of the stretch from the nursery to the temple, as well as parts of the temple premises, will be carpeted. Vehicles will not be permitted on this route and devotees will need to leave their footwear near the nursery. Tourism minister Ranjit Kumar Dass had previously chaired a meeting with various departments and the temple management committee, where it was decided that, similar to last year, no VIP passes will be issued during the congregation. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, a budget of Rs 4.55 crore has been allocated.
