Ambubachi Mela

The grand Ambubachi fair in Guwahati takes place near the Kamakhya Devi temple on the Neelachal hill in Guwahati city in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. In this fair, tourists come from far places and enjoy the fair. It's a 3 day fair, normally takes place during the monsoon season. It is believed that during this time, Devi Kamakhya goes through her annual cycle of menstruation. Due to this, the roof of the temple remains closed from 22 June to 24 June and the water of Brahmaputra river also turns red. The temple opens at 5:30 am on 25 June. After this, devotees offer prayers. Some special precautions are taken during Ambubachi in Kamakhya Temple like, one should not bathe in the river, the soil should not be dug, nor any seed should be sown, conch and bell do not ring here during this time. Devotees sacrifice food and vegetables and fruits that grow under the ground. Chant the mantras of your presiding deity as much as possible during this period.