Introduction to Ambubachi Festival
Ambubachi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is a three-day-long festival that falls in the month of June every year. The festival is also known as Ambubachi Mela, and it is mainly celebrated to mark the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.
History of Ambubachi Festival
The history of Ambubachi festival dates back to ancient times when the Kamakhya Temple was first built. The temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati and is one of the most revered and visited temples in Assam. According to legends, Goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be the Mother Goddess, goes through her annual menstrual cycle during this time. The temple remains closed for three days during this period, and on the fourth day, the temple reopens, and the devotees are allowed to enter and worship the goddess.
Significance of Ambubachi Festival
The Ambubachi festival holds great significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that during this time, the power of the goddess is at its peak, and the devotees can attain spiritual enlightenment by meditating and praying to her. The festival is also a celebration of fertility and the natural cycle of life, which is why it is considered auspicious for couples who are trying to conceive.
Ambubachi Festival Rituals
The Ambubachi festival is characterized by various rituals and customs, which are performed with great devotion and enthusiasm. Some of the most significant rituals include the cleaning of the temple premises, offering of special prayers and pujas, and the distribution of prasad to the devotees.
Traditional Celebrations during Ambubachi Festival
The Ambubachi festival is also marked by the Ambubachi Mela, which is a grand fair that takes place in the vicinity of the Kamakhya Temple. The fair is a celebration of Assamese culture and tradition and attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over India.
COVID-19 Impact on Ambubachi Festival
The Ambubachi festival of 2021 was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Assam government had to impose restrictions on the number of devotees allowed inside the temple and the fairgrounds. The usual festivities and rituals had to be curtailed, and the temple authorities had to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Conclusion
The Ambubachi festival is a celebration of the divine feminine and the natural cycle of life. It is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, and it holds great significance in Hindu culture. The festival has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the spirit of devotion and faith remains strong among the devotees. Let us hope that the next Ambubachi festival will be celebrated with full fervor and enthusiasm.
