Guwahati: Keeping in view the Covid-19 pandemic that has swept across the nation, infecting over 3 lakh Indians, the Kamakhya Devalaya authorities have decided not to allow any devotees or pilgrims to attend this year's Ambubachi Mela. This year, the festival that is held annually, will be observed behind closed doors by a handful of priest, who will perform the rituals associated with the event.
Ambubachi, which is celebrated during the annual menstrual cycle of the Hindu goddess, will start at 7:53 AM on June 22 and will end on June 25 at 8:16 PM.
"The rites and rituals of the mahayog will be performed, although the fair has been canceled. No facilities have been made to accommodate pilgrims and arrange for their stay, unlike in other years. Police personnel will be deployed at the base of the hill, to ensure that no one climbs the hill to be a part of the spectacle. All the entrances to the Devalaya will be closed to the general public", Ridip Sarma, one of the priests, told The Sentinel Digital.
The temple authorities said that this year, the devotees, sadhus, and sanyasis shall not be allowed to enter the temple premises or the neighbouring areas.
It needs mention here that although the Ministry of External Affairs has issued Guidelines that the Religious Places will be open from June 8, the Kamakhya Authorities have decided to keep the Temple Door closed till June 30, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Kamakhya Devalaya Management committee had announced the closure of the temple to devotees on March 20, days before the nationwide lockdown was announced by the Narendra Modi-led Central Government to mitigate the virus spread.