|
Travel
Sites |
Security beefed up for Asom's Ambubachi Mela
Guwahati:
Security arrangements were tightened at the Kamakhya temple here ahead
of the Ambubachi Mela (fair) to prevent any untoward incident. The four-day
annual festival starts on Thursday. 'The recent security review necessitated
enhancement of security all around the Kamakhya Temple,' said a police
official. "We have already deployed additional cops at various strategic
points around the temple, and we are drawing up a fresh plan for laying
a beefed-up security net around the periphery of the Nilachal Hill top,"
said official. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over India and
neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan come to take part
in this festival, which has acquired fame for the teaching of black magic,
known traditionally as 'Tantra'. Pilgrims and seers believe their prayers
will be answered by the goddess during the festival. Speaking further
the police official said, "We have made all preparations to ensure law
and order during mela." Ambubachi Mela is the most important festival
of Kamakhya temple and is held every year during monsoon (mid-June). It
is a ritual of austerities celebrated with 'Tantric rites'. It is a common
belief that the reigning diety, 'Kamakhya', 'The Mother Shakti' goes through
her annual cycle of menstruation during this period. During Ambubashi
the doors of the temple remain closed for three days. It is believed that
the earth becomes impure for three days. During this time no farming work
is undertaken. Daily worship and other religious performances are suspended
during this period. After three days, the temple doors are reopened after
the Goddess is bathed and other rituals performed. It is believed that
the mother earth regains her purity now. This is purely a ritual of Tantric
cult. Ambubachi mela is held at the Kamakhya temple after being closed
for the three days. On the fourth day only the devotees are allowed to
enter inside the temple for worship.
-June 21, 2006
Tourist
offices
in India
|
Window
on India |
|
News
Links |