Ambubachi Mela 2025: Celebrating Menstruation at Kamakhya Temple

The Ambubachi Mela, an annual spiritual festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, marks the ritualistic menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. Observed for four days in June, the temple gates are closed as a sign of the goddess undergoing her period, symbolizing fertility and womanhood. The festival attracts lakhs of devotees and is seen not only as a religious event but also as a significant platform to promote menstrual hygiene and break related taboos in society.

Why in News?

The doors of the Kamakhya Temple reopened to devotees on June 26, 2025, marking the end of the four-day Ambubachi Mahayog. The festival, during which the temple remains shut, was observed from June 22 to June 25, with the reopening on the morning of June 26 at 6 AM. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended greetings and blessings on the occasion, emphasizing its spiritual and social significance.

About Ambubachi Mela

• Held annually in June at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
• Celebrates the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility.
• Known as a “Mahakumbh of the East”, it draws lakhs of devotees from across India.
• Temple is closed for 4 days during the goddess’s period (symbolic of rest and respect).

Cultural and Social Significance

• Seen as a celebration of womanhood and menstruation, promoting menstrual hygiene awareness.
• Less stigma about menstruation in Assam due to ritual acceptance like this.
• Linked with Tuloni Biya, a traditional Assamese ritual celebrating girls’ attainment of puberty.

Government Involvement

• CM Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a message praying for the nation’s welfare and praising the spiritual and civilizational strength of the temple.
• Large-scale arrangements and security ensured smooth pilgrimage during the mela.

Kamakhya Temple’s Background

• Located on the Nilachal Hills, overlooking the Brahmaputra River.
• One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, symbolizing the yoni (female genitalia).
• Mythologically linked to Goddess Sati’s body parts falling on earth.
• Historical records date back to the Koch King Naranarayana’s reconstruction in 1565.
• Legend of demon king Narakasura and the temple’s curse on Koch royalty adds mysticism.