The tourism minister of Assam visited the Kamakhya temple on Saturday. He took stock of the preparations for the upcoming Ambubachi Mela 2023 during the visit.
The Kamakhya Temple will host the Ambubachi Mela from June 22 to June 26 this year. The doors of the temple will be closed at Pravritti at 2:30 AM on June 22. While the temple doors will reopen on Nivritti at 2:56 PM on June 26.
The tourism minister reviewed the preparations for the festival. These included the accommodations, food and other amenities arranged for the tourists. He also interacted with the representatives of several concerned departments during the visit. Temple authorities were also present for the interaction.
The minister informed that this year no devotees will be allowed to go uphill on the Neelachal Hills at night. The entries will be closed for tourists from 9 PM to 5 AM during the festival days. Also, there will be no VIP passes or any special arrangements for devotees on June 26. These initiatives have been taken to avoid uncontrollable crowding. Non-resident devotees must also vacate the temple premises by 1 AM to ensure cleaning and sanitation.
He also mentioned that the inauguration ceremony of the Ambubachi Mela 2023 will be held at the Sonaram High School Field on the afternoon of June 22. Accommodations have been created in three locations of the city by the administration. These include the Kamakhya Railway Station, the Pandu Port and the Sonaram High School Field.
Vehicles except local ones will not be allowed on Neelachal Hill on the days of the festival. ASTC has made arrangements to ferry passengers to and from different parts of the city to the foot of the hill. Also, arrangements have been made regarding proper illumination, garbage disposal and sanitation.
