Thousands of devotees gather at Kamakhya temple for Ambubachi Mela
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In Assam, thousands of devotees and Sadhus have gathered at the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, for the Ambubachi Mela starting today.
The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated during monsoon in the belief of Goddess Kamakhya going through her annual menstruation cycle at this time.
The temple remains closed for three days starting from the seventh day of the Ashadh month of the Hindu calendar until the tenth day as part of traditional seclusion during menstruation.
The doors ceremonially open on the twelfth day and a huge fair takes place at the temple premise. The popular belief is that the fertility brought in by the Goddess will bless the devotees and nurture them.
There were no Ambubachi celebrations in the Kamakhya temple for the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as there are no COVID-19 restrictions this year, Ambubachi Mela is set to make a grand return.
Flood situation improves slightly in Brahmaputra valley due to better weather conditions
In Assam, the flood situation improved slightly in Brahmaputra valley due to better weather conditions and only Brahmaputra and Kopili rivers are flowing above danger level.
However, the situation remains critical in the three districts of Barak valley. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is visiting Morigaon and Nagaon district today to take stock of the flood situation.
Assam has been reeling under devastating floods for the last eight days and over 5,500 villages affected in 32 districts. Over 55 lakh people are affected and more than two lakh 62 thousand people have taken shelter in 1,687 Relief Camps at various parts of the state. A total of 88 people died and 35 people are missing due to flood and landslides.
The Army, Paramilitary forces, NDRF, SDRF and local administration are carrying out rescue operations and relief materials are being distributed in flood hit areas.
