Guwahati: Three camps have been set up at different locations for pilgrims arriving for the Ambubachi Mela at the Shakti Peeth Kamakhya Temple, as well as for police personnel, said tourism minister Ajanta Neog on Wednesday.
Ambubachi is the biggest religious congregation in the Northeast, drawing lakhs of devotees, tantriks, sadhus and tourists. The festival’s uniqueness lies in its celebration of the annual menstrual cycle of the presiding goddess.
Addressing a news conference, Neog said, “All arrangements and facilities are being put in place for devotees during the Ambubachi Mahayog. Three camps have been set up at Kamakhya Railway Station, Pandu Port and Naharbari in Pandu. The Naharbari camp has been designated for police personnel.”
She added that these camps are equipped to provide lodging and meals for thousands of devotees.
In addition, temporary rest camps have been established every 100 metres along the route leading up to Kamakhya Temple from the foothill, allowing devotees to take rest during their ascent.
She said special emphasis has been placed on cleanliness, healthcare, protection and security during the fair. Directional signs and public announcement systems have been installed for the convenience of devotees. “The Guwahati Municipal Corporation has been working round the clock to maintain sanitation in and around the temple premises. Emergency medical facilities will be available at all camps, along with paramedical staff. Stretchers and wheelchairs have also been arranged, with particular attention given to senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” she added.
Neog added that the administration has been instructed to ensure orderly movement of people going up to and down from the temple. Food safety officials have also been tasked with checking the quality of food items distributed by various voluntary organisations during the fair.
Help desks from the district administration, PWD, Guwahati Municipal Corporation, public health engineering department, police, tourism, health and other agencies will remain available throughout the event. “Devotees facing difficulties during the fair may seek assistance from these help desks,” she added.
Citing data from the past two years, Neog said in 2024, a total of 7,43,046 devotees from across India attended the Ambubachi fair, along with 20 foreign visitors. In 2025, the fair saw 7,71,978 domestic devotees and 43 foreign visitors. She expressed hope that this year the footfall might cross 8 lakh.
The minister said Assam has witnessed a significant rise in tourism over the past five years. Last year alone, the state received 8.5 million domestic tourists and around 82,000 foreign visitors.
Meanwhile, Diganta Bora, commissioner and secretary of home and political department as well as the tourism department, said that as part of crowd-control measures, the administration has fixed visiting hours for the fair. “During the mela, devotees and the general public will be allowed to enter the temple premises only between 5 am and 6 pm. No one will be permitted to proceed uphill to the temple after 6 pm,” he added.
He also warned that strict action would be taken by the police and administration against anyone found using intoxicants or creating disorder.
Bora urged devotees not to wear sandals or shoes when visiting the temple during the fair. He said there is no arrangement to keep footwear within the temple premises, so the administration and the temple management committee will make provisions at the foothill area for storing shoes and sandals.
