Annual Ambubachi mela begins at Kamakhya temple

Guwahati, June 22 (UNI) More than six lakh devotees have arrived at the famed Kamakhya temple for the annual Ambubachi mela, which commences this evening.

The temple will remain closed for worship from this evening and open to the public on June 26.

Devotees from across the country and abroad had started arriving for the mela more than a week ago. Most devotees arrive days before the start of the mela. They stay on till the end and leave only after paying homage to the Goddess after the temple opens on June 26.

Ambubachi Mela Parichalana Samity publicity secretary Chandan Sharma said, ''We have already constructed 16 sheds for the worshippers. Many make their own staying arrangements but we ensure that anyone who approaches us is not disappointed.'' Another Samity member Ranju Barua informed that about 250 temporary toilets had been constructed and cleaners were working round-the-clock in the temple premises.

Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Avinash Joshi, in a meeting recently, directed the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, the state electricity board and the Public Health and Engineering department to make adequate sanitation, drinking water and electricity facilities during the mela period.

Steps were also being taken to check a possible malaria outbreak in view of the recent spread of the disease in the state.

The permanent health centre at the Kamakhya temple was also actively engaged in providing quality service to the devotees.

Besides doctors from the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Ramkrishna Mission were also bringing in medical help, Mr Barua informed.

Tourism Director Dilip Kumar Barua informed that special information cells had been set up at Kamakhya railway station and inter-state bus depot at Paltan Bazar.

''We have ensured that the devotees are not faced with any problem due to lack of information. Tourism officials will also be posted at the mela site to help the devotees,'' Mr Barua said.

Security has also been beefed up in the view of recent bombings in the state and threats to religious places.

Besides the security arrangements made by the police authorities, the Kamakhya Debutter Board has installed eight close circuit cameras. Police has been empowered to frisk devotees on suspicion and a separate generator set for the temple complex has been procured to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

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