Kamakhya temple reopens after Ambubachi Mela

The doors of the famed Kamakhya Temple reopened today after four days, when it was closed on the occasion of Ambubachi Mela and more than a lakh of devotees thronged to it.

The temple doors opened this morning after the ritualistic bathing of the Goddess and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was among the early visitors.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and his wife visited the temple later in the day, officials said.

More than a lakh devotees visited the temple as the day is considered to be very auspicious, they said.

Assam Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah said that this year an unprecedented number of nearly 30 lakh devotees from across the country and abroad visited the temple, which is situated atop the Nilachal Hills, during the four-day festival.

During the Ambubachi festival, Mother Earth is believed to menstruate and religious and agricultural activities are not performed during the period.

The doors of the temple are closed to the devotees and regular rituals are suspended for the four days.

The temple doors are reopened following the 'suddhi' or the ritualistic bath of the Devi.