Guwahati: Internationally renowned chef Vikas Khanna has infused the spiritual essence of Assam’s Ambubachi Mela into his New York City restaurant, Bungalow. With the annual festival just around the corner, Khanna has transformed his East Village establishment into a vibrant homage to Goddess Kamakhya, celebrating the divine feminine energy that lies at the heart of the Ambubachi observance.
In an Instagram video posted on May 25, the Michelin-starred chef shared, “This evening, Bungalow honors Assamese heritage.” He further elaborated, “We celebrate the sacred feminine energy embodied by Goddess Kamakhya.” The video, set to the soulful strains of “O Mur Apunar Dekh”—Assam’s official anthem—beautifully melds regional pride with a deep reverence for India’s rich cultural tapestry.
Khanna’s video post unveiled stunning visuals of Bungalow, adorned with a riot of crimson flower petals, fragrant tuberose garlands, and intricate traditional Assamese motifs. This artistic setup is a respectful acknowledgment of the Kamakhya Temple’s profound spiritual significance and the powerful symbolism of fertility and creation deeply associated with the Ambubachi festival.
Adding to the immersive experience, Bungalow is offering its patrons handmade batasas, a classic Assamese sweet delicately finished with rose petals. Khanna noted this offering as a heartfelt gesture, aiming to honour the goddess and usher guests into a spiritually inspired dining journey.
This poignant tribute comes just weeks before the 2025 edition of the Ambubachi Mela, scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 26 at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Recognized as one of Eastern India’s most significant spiritual gatherings, the mela observes the symbolic annual menstruation of the earth goddess, drawing devotees from every corner of the globe.
Bungalow, co-founded by Chef Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi in 2024, has swiftly become one of New York City’s most sought-after culinary destinations. This recent cultural homage underscores Khanna’s unwavering dedication to showcasing India’s diverse regional traditions on a global stage, weaving together elements of food, art, and spiritual celebration.
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