Hundreds of sadhus descend, Ambubachi mela starts

Guwahati, Jun 21 (UNI) Hundreds of Sadhus(Holy men) descended from all over India as the week long Ambubachi mela began at Kamkhya dham this morning.

The temple was closed today and would reopen on Wednesday. More than three lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple in the next five days.

Meanwhile, security forces have taken positions atop the sacred Neelachal Hills as tens of thousands of pilgrims are streaming into the Kamkhya temple for the annual Ambubachi mela .

''We are expecting close to three lakh pilgrims this time. But we are equally worried about the security as the terrorists could take this oppurtunity to strike at any moment. But I believe in Goddess Kamakhya, she will protect us,'' said president of the Temple Trust Navakanta Sarma.

But the Assam Government is not keeping all their faith on the goddesses alone.

''We will maintain adequate security so that pilgrims feel safe.

In fact we are sending two more platoons today,'' said Additional Superintendent of Police(City) Debojit Deuri.

After the heavy rains, the sun shone brightly and the vast complex was teeming with activities as various Sadhus were holding courts, displaying their amazing skills and casting a mystic spell on the people.

Many of them are known faces and scholars. However, so far there are no ''white sadhus,' who generally make appearances in the five-day fair.

'' No private vehicles are allowed to drive up the Neelachal hills. Free ferry vehicles have been arranged for transporting pilgrims,'' said Guwahati Superintendent of Police Pradip Pujari.

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