Guwahati, 26 June (HS): Nearly 8 lakh devotees gathered at the Kamakhya Temple during the Ambubachi Mahayog Mela 2026, which concluded on Friday with the reopening of the shrine after the annual four-day ritual closure. The temple doors were opened for devotees following traditional purification rituals, ceremonial bathing of the deity and daily prayers.

According to the Assam Tourism Department, a total of 7,96,777 devotees and visitors, including 75 foreign pilgrims, attended this year's Ambubachi Mela, surpassing last year's turnout of 7,72,019 visitors, which included 42 foreign devotees. Lakhs of pilgrims who had queued overnight were allowed to enter the temple from early morning for darshan.

Assam Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog expressed satisfaction over the increased footfall and thanked devotees, saints, pilgrims, tourists, government departments and voluntary organisations for contributing to the successful conduct of the event. She said the Ambubachi Mela reflects India's tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) while showcasing Assam's rich spiritual heritage to the world.

The Minister added that the festival has evolved into a major spiritual and tourism event, promoting harmony, devotion and cultural heritage. She expressed confidence that the Ambubachi Mela would continue to strengthen Assam's position on the global spiritual tourism map.

The Assam Tourism Department has been participating the Ambubachi Mela since 2013, attracting lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad every year.-------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash