Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Guwahati, June 23: Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the entire Sanatani Hindu community on the occasion of the sacred Ambubachi Festival 2026, popularly known as the “Mahakumbh of the East.”

The occasion, Dilip Saikia prayed that with the blessings of Goddess Kamakhya, peace, prosperity, happiness, and spiritual consciousness continue to flourish across Assam and the entire country. He stated that the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been consistently working to transform the Ambubachi Mela into a world-class religious gathering through strong management, improved infrastructure, and a commitment to preserving Assam’s spiritual, cultural, and traditional heritage.

Saikia, the internationally renowned and historically significant Ambubachi Mela 2026, often referred to as the “Mahakumbh of the East,” officially commenced on Monday night at the sacred Kamakhya Temple situated atop Nilachal Hill in Kamrup district. Organised jointly by the Assam Government and the Kamakhya Temple Management Committee, the four-day religious festival symbolizes the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya and celebrates the divine power of creation and fertility.

The state government's far-reaching planning, modern infrastructure, efficient crowd management, and improved facilities, this year’s festival is expected to witness a significant rise in the number of devotees, saints, ascetics, and pilgrims. Government estimates suggest that at least 800,000 devotees may visit the fair during the four-day event. According to Saikia, this massive participation will elevate the stature of the Ambubachi Mela to an even greater level.

The Assam BJP president further noted that the unprecedented gathering at Kamakhya Temple during Ambubachi reflects the success of the state government in promoting spiritual tourism, strengthening transportation networks, and developing world-class infrastructure. He said that under the BJP-led government, Assam has emerged as one of India’s most attractive destinations for spiritual and cultural tourism due to improved roads, better urban management, strong law-and-order conditions, and various public welfare initiatives.

Saikia added that the continuous efforts of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to bring Assam’s rich traditions, culture, and religious heritage to the global stage are clearly reflected in the huge turnout witnessed at this year’s Ambubachi Mela.

The Assam Government has also made extensive arrangements to ensure the comfort, safety, and smooth management of devotees. The Assam Tourism Department has completed preparations at a cost of ₹4.55 crore in coordination with several departments. Large temporary accommodation camps have been established at the Old Jail premises, Boripara Playground, and Kamakhya Railway Station, with the capacity to accommodate more than 50,000 pilgrims.

Saikia emphasized that, under the clear instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, there will be no VIP or VVIP culture during this year’s festival. All devotees will be allowed to offer prayers and seek darshan through a common queue system, reflecting the government’s commitment to equality and transparency.

Special attention has also been given to cleanliness and public health measures. Along with more than 200 permanent sanitation workers, over 100 additional personnel have been deployed by the temple trust and administration. Bio-toilets, safe drinking water facilities, and essential healthcare services have been arranged across various locations on Nilachal Hill to ensure that devotees can complete their pilgrimage in a safe, hygienic, and comfortable environment.