The annual Ambubachi Mela, a significant religious event held in Assam, will not take place this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Typically organized from 21st to 25th June, the festival has several cultural, social, and financial implications that make it an event of notable importance.
About the Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi Mela is a celebration that marks the annual menstruation of the presiding Goddess in the Kamakhya Temple, situated in Guwahati, Assam. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple enshrines the yoni, or a symbol of the female genital, represented by a rock.
Regarded as one of the 51 shakti peethas or sacred sites for the followers of the Shakti cult, each site symbolizes a body part of Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort. The Kamakhya Temple occupies a majestic position on the Nilachal Hills, whose northern face slopes down to the breathtaking Brahmaputra river.
According to folklore, the demon king Narakasura originally built the temple. However, historical records only exist from 1565 when Koch king Naranarayana reconstructed the structure.
Cultural Significance
The ritualistic fair carries immense cultural value as it celebrates the Goddess’s menstruation period. As a result, the stigma associated with menstruation in Assam is less compared to other parts of India. Within Assamese culture, the attainment of womanhood in girls is commemorated with a unique ritual known as Tuloni Biya, which translates to ‘small wedding’.
Social Impact
Beyond its cultural importance, the Ambubachi Mela also bears social implications. It presents an opportunity to promote menstrual hygiene among the participants, primarily through the usage of sanitary pads.
Financial Implications
The Ambubachi Mela brings significant financial benefits to Assam. The event draws at least 500,000 devotees every year, mainly from states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. International visitors also join the celebrations, which boosts state tourism and the associated revenues.
As the annual Ambubachi Mela stands canceled amid the pandemic, it is evident that its absence will be felt not only in religious context, but also on social, cultural, and economic fronts.
