GUWAHATI: One of the most awaited and revered Ambubachi is all set to return this year after a gap of almost 2 years due to the pandemic. As per the Kamakhya Devalaya Committee, due to the existing situation in the State, like previous years there will not be a large-scale mela celebration during the Ambubachi Mahayog which is scheduled from June 22 - June 26. Moreover, no lodging facility will be provided in and around the temple and the rituals will be performed as per tradition without any visitors.
The Kamrup Metro District Administration for the smooth conduct of Ambubachi 2022 has issued guidelines on June 20, where the Kamrup Metro DC, Pallav Gopal Jha informed that unauthorised distribution of food packets on the Main Road and any other venues will be strictly prohibited. A few organisations which have been allowed by District Administration shall serve food at designated Camp as per guideline. Only drinking water and dry fruits/biscuits will be distributed from the main road to the Kamakhya temple, by the organisations which have been authorised by the District Administration.
File photo of Ambubachi
People have already been pouring in from across the country to attend the auspicious celebration which as per previous guidelines was taking place after a gap of almost two years. But the critical condition of the State due to the flood has forced the Administration to tone down the celebration.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 17, informed that the Ambubachi will be celebrated only with religious rituals at the Kamakhya Devalaya, in the same way, it has been celebrated since the pandemic. The Chief Minister advised people not to attend the Ambubachi this time and said, “There might be chances of landslides. If rain occurs on the days of Mela, this would go out of the Government’s control.” The main gate of the temple will remain closed to the public for the four days of Ambubachi rituals.
The Guwahati Traffic Police also has issued regulations to be followed for four days during Ambubachi 2022. A statement released by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Guwahati stated, “To ensure safety of the public, especially vulnerable road users like children, students, women, senior citizens and differently abled persons on the road and to give tire passage to the emergency vehicles like Ambulances, Fire Tenders etc.”
As per the regulations, no vehicles shall be allowed to enter from Kamakhya foothill towards Kamakhya Temple except the ferry car, vehicles associated with essential services and few vehicles of Kamakhya temple and local residents. During the next four days, no inter-district or long distance buses, including the ones being operated under ASTC will be allowed to ply on DG Road, MG Road and TR Phukan Road. Goods carrying heavy, medium and small commercial vehicles will not be allowed to ply on DG Road and MG Road during Ambubachi days. However the three wheelers commercial goods carrying vehicles shall be allowed to ply from 12 midnight to 6 AM only. The vehicles coming from Bharalumukh side towards Kamakhya gate will drop the devotees near Kamakhya gate and move towards Adabari, and will be parked at Boripara Field or Adabari Bus Stand. The vehicles coming from Maligaon side towards Kamakhya gate will drop the devotees near Kamakhya gate and will move towards Bharalumukh and the vehicles will park at Sonaram Field. Moreover, no vehicles shall be allowed to ply on newly constructed road from Pandu Temple Ghat to Kamakhya Trinath Temple.
On the eve of Ambubachi, the sadhus and sadhvis could be seen taking out a procession on the foot of the Kamakhya Temple.