Devotees from across the nation are gathering at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam’s Guwahati for the commencement of the annual Ambubachi Mela today.
Temple Closure and Reopening
Following the Pravritti of the Ambubachi Mela, the temple’s main door will remain closed for three days, reported ANI. The Nivritti of the Ambubachi Mela is scheduled for June 26, after which the temple’s main door will reopen on the morning of the same day.
Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi, the head priest of Kamakhya Temple, stated, “After Pravritti, the main door of the temple will be closed for three days and three nights.”
Significance of Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fair organized at Kamakhya Temple, marking the celebration of the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya. Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India, located atop Nilachal Hills.
Arrangements for the Mela
Arrangements for the festivities were made jointly by the Assam government and the Kamakhya Temple Management Committee.
VIP Passes Announcement
Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced that the state government will not issue any VIP passes to visit Kamakhya Temple on June 26 and 27. He stated, “The state government and various departments are working on it. There will be no VIP passes to visit Kamakhya Temple on June 26 and 27 when the temple door will be opened.”
Priest’s Statement and Expectations
The head priest of Kamakhya Temple said, “The Ambubachi Mela’s Nivritti will be performed on June 26 and the main door of the temple will be opened on June 26 morning. All rituals and puja will be performed after Nivritti.” He expressed hope that the number of devotees visiting the temple would increase this year compared to the previous year. He added, “The Assam government and district administration have also extended their support, including security, transportation, food, etc.”
Kabindra Prasad Sarma further informed that around 25 lakh devotees visited Kamakhya Temple last year during the Ambubachi Mela.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the Ambubachi Mela?
- a) A festival celebrating the birth of Maa Kamakhya.
- b) An annual Hindu fair marking the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya.
- c) A harvest festival in Assam.
- d) A religious festival celebrating the marriage of Maa Kamakhya.
- Answer: b) An annual Hindu fair marking the yearly menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya.
- When will the main door of Kamakhya Temple reopen after the Pravritti?
- a) June 25
- b) June 26
- c) June 27
- d) June 28
- Answer: b) June 26
- Who is the head priest of Kamakhya Temple?
- a) Jayanta Malla Baruah
- b) Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi
- c) Nilachal Kumar
- d) Pradeep Sharma
- Answer: b) Kabindra Prasad Sarma-Doloi
- Which of the following statements is true regarding VIP passes for Kamakhya Temple on June 26 and 27?
- a) VIP passes will be issued to a limited number of devotees.
- b) No VIP passes will be issued.
- c) VIP passes will be issued only to government officials.
- d) VIP passes will be issued to foreign tourists only.
- Answer: b) No VIP passes will be issued.
- How many devotees visited Kamakhya Temple during the Ambubachi Mela last year?
- a) 10 lakh
- b) 15 lakh
- c) 20 lakh
- d) 25 lakh
- Answer: d) 25 lakh