No Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple due to coronavirus pandemic

    Guwahati, Apr 23 (PTI) The four-day annual Ambubachi
Mela at the Kamakhya Temple from June 22 will not be open for
devotees this year due to coronavirus outbreak.
     A statement issued by the Maa Kamakhya Devalaya said
on Thursday that a decision has been taken by the 'Dolois'
(priests) that only the rituals and prayers associated with
the festival would be performed by them.
     It has been also decided that devotees, sadhus or
tourists will not be allowed to enter or stay in the premises
of the Shakti peeth atop the Nilachal Hills here.
     The temple authorities announced that no arrangements
for fooding and lodging for the pilgrims will be made this
year.
     The priests also appealed to all to cooperate with
the temple authorities in this regard.
     Every year, the temple remains closed for four days
in the belief that the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess
Kamakhya falls during the period.
The temple reopens on the fifth day when devotees
throng the place of worship to seek the blessings of the
Goddess.
The occasion witnesses around 25 lakh footfalls from
all over the country and abroad every year.
     The Kamakhya temple was closed for devotees since
March 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent
nationwide lockdown. PTI DG
MM MM

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)