Guwahati, 22nd June: A massive influx of devotees has converged at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati today, June 22, as the annual Ambubachi Mela commences. This significant religious event draws pilgrims from across the nation, marking a period of intense spiritual activity.
The festival begins with the Pravritti ritual, after which the temple doors will remain closed for three days. This closure signifies the annual menstruation period of the goddess Kamakhya, and during this time, the temple is inaccessible to worshippers. The Nivritti ritual, scheduled for June 26, will mark the end of this period, and the temple doors will reopen to the public on the morning of June 26.
To manage the massive crowds and ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Guwahati has implemented extensive traffic restrictions, effective from 5 AM on June 22, 2024, until midnight on June 25, 2024. Key points of the traffic management plan include:
- Restricted Access to Temple Vicinity:
- Only vehicles with authorized passes from the District Administration can proceed beyond Maa Kamakhya Foot Hill towards the temple.
- Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire tenders, and those carrying life-saving drugs, oxygen cylinders, and school buses, are exempt from these restrictions.
- Parking Arrangements and Route Directions:
- Vehicles with car passes may travel from Pandu Cabin Tiniali up to Bongshi Bagan. No vehicles are allowed beyond this point towards the temple.
- Vehicles coming from Jalukbari will use the service lane of Nilachal Flyover, dropping passengers opposite Gate No. 3 of Railway HQ, then U-turn under the flyover to park at Adabari bus stand or Boripara field.
- Vehicles coming from Bharalumukh will drop passengers opposite Swagat Hospital (Railway Gate No. 4) and proceed to designated parking areas.
- ASTC buses, city buses, and private vehicles will use Nilachal Flyover between Jalukbari Rotary and Machkhowa, avoiding the service lane.
- City Bus Passenger Drop-off Points:
- City buses from Jalukbari will drop passengers at Biswakarma Mandir.
- City buses from Bharalumukh will drop passengers at Boripara field.
- No passenger drop-offs are allowed at either end of the bridge.
- Parking Restrictions:
- Two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, and heavy motor vehicles of devotees are to be parked at Adabari Bus Stand or Boripara Field.
- Parking under Nilachal Flyover is strictly prohibited.
These measures are intended to facilitate the orderly and safe conduct of the Ambubachi Mela, ensuring that devotees can participate in the spiritual festivities with minimal inconvenience.