Location: Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati Time of Celebration: Mid
June Highlights: Dedicated to Ma Kamakhya (Ma Kamrupa) The fairs
in Assam, as in any other part of India, are associated with
religious ceremonies in the temples. The most popular among
these is the Ambubachi Fair. Celebrated in the urban area of
Guwahati, it is the most important fair of the state, which
revolves around the Kamakhya temple. Situated on top of the
Nilachal hills of western Guwahati, the temple is one of the
most important Shakti shrines in the entire country. The
residing Goddess of the temple is known as Ma Kamakhya or Ma
Kamrupa. Ambubachee Mela takes place during the month of Ahar
(according to the Assamese calendar) i.e. around the middle of
June, when Ma Kamakhya is worshipped in the form of a yoni
(uterus)-like stone, over which a natural spring flows. The fair
is, in fact, the worship of the female process of menstruation.
It is believed that during these months, the creative and the
fostering power of the ‘menses’ of Mother