Guwahati, 21 June: As Ambubachi Mela approaches, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) has provided significant rules and information for devotees participating in the sacred occasion.
The Prabritti which marks the beginning of the Ambubachi Mahayog will take place at 2:30:42 am on June 22, 2023 (which, according to the English calendar, corresponds to June 23). On June 23, 24 and 25, Maa Kamakhya Devalaya’s doors would be closed to visitors during the celebration. Following customary customs, the doors will open on June 26 at 6 am following the Snan (holy wash) and Nitya Puja (daily prayer).
According to city police, no special tickets will be issued on June 26 and 27, 2023. Additionally, VIP/VVIP passes will not be issued on June 26, 2023.
To ensure a smooth and organized experience for devotees, the Guwahati police have outlined several guidelines:
There won’t be any free camping sites or places to distribute food at or around Nilachal Hill.
a) Free lodging camps and food distribution facilities will not be available in and around Nilachal Hill.
b) Along the motorable road, numerous rest areas, medical camps, shoe counters and drinking water facilities will be erected.
c) After performing the Parikrama (circumambulation), devotees entering the Devalaya Campus would leave through the East and West gates.
d) Devotees will only be permitted to enter Nilachal Hill until 9 PM due to road congestion and other issues. Every day from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., all entrances will be closed to traffic. The public is urged to assist in this effort by the city police.
e) As there are no shoe storage facilities provided by the district administration along the main road, it is advisable to take off shoes before accessing Nilachal Hill itself.
f) Due to the expected rush, it is advised that people avoid bringing young children, the elderly and anybody who is physically weak.
g) Nilachal Hill as a whole has been designated a no-smoking area. Entrance to the Devalaya Complex is prohibited for anyone who are intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics. The administration was contacted for support on this matter as the police emphasised the need for strict action against any disruptive behaviour.
h) The committee has sent out 800 volunteers from civil defence, private security and scouts/guides. To enhance security measures, adequate numbers of CCTV cameras have been installed across the Devalaya premises.
i) In order to provide police support, there would be eight booths along the route to the hilltop.
j) Three helplines, 6026900614/6026900615/6026900613/112/100, have also been established by the police.
k) A total of 200 regular cleaners and about 100 temporary ones have been hired to keep the area around the Devalaya clean.
l) The Bongshibagan area will have temporary sheds, medical services and drinking water supplies to accommodate pilgrims waiting in queue for darshan (holy viewing) on June 26.
m) Devotees will not have access to travel from the hilltop to the foothills. From the foothills to the temple grounds, devotees must travel on foot.
n) Only older people and people with physical disabilities will have access to the limited ferry car facilities.
o) Those hosting pilgrims in and around the Kamakhya Temple such as hotels, lodges and private homes are instructed to keep a thorough record of all the temporary occupants so that the information is available to the authorities for any ensuing inquiries.