GUWAHATI: Devotees from outside the state have started coverging into the city to participate in the annual religious congregation called Ambubachi Mela (fair) that begins in the evening of June 22 at the ancient Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills here.
Assam government this time has worked out a plan to promote the ensuing Ambubachi Mela as a major congregation of different faiths to boost religious tourism in the state.
The government has made it clear that VIP culture would not be entertained during Ambubachi fair this year and called upon the VIPs to desist from asking for special facilities this time. The Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan district Virendra Mittal said, “We have discouraged passes for vehicles even for VIPs and as and where necessary we would facilitate them on that particular date,” the DC said.
Mittal said use of plastic in the food and drinking water counters would be prohibited and those running the counters have been asked to use biodegradable items.
“Nearly 400 CCTV cameras have been strategically positioned. Besides, three control rooms will be positioned for the Mela,” city police commissioner Hiren Nath said adding along with the men-in-uniform, police personnel in plainclothes will also be deployed.
The annual Ambubachi festival exactly 9.27 pm 54 seconds in the evening of June 22. The doors of the temple would remain closed till the ritual of nibhrity gets over in the morning of June 26. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the festival on June 21 at 4 P.M. where over 50 religious gurus, including those of ethnic communities of the entire Northeast would be present.
“The move has been planned with a view to promoting religious integration, where gurus of different sects, including the heads of 13 different akharas, heads of Vaishnavite monasteries, religious preachers of Khasi, Jaintia, Bodo, Karbi, Mising and other communities, as well as the gurus of different ethnic tribes and communities of the Northeast will take part,” Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) chairman Jayanta Malla Barua said.
Five major camps by the government would host nearly one lakh devotees during the Mela. This time, the old jail land would have the biggest camp apart from camps near the Kamakhya railway station, Pandu and Naharbari. Food and water would be distributed through these camps and no such offerings would be allowed outside to ensure health and hygiene.