GUWAHATI, June 18 � For the first time in 100 years, the hugely popular Ambubachi Mela atop the Nilachal Hills will coincide with a lunar eclipse. On account of this phenomenon, the temple which will open after the ritualistic closure of Ambubachi, will be closed again for the devotees.
The auspicious moment of Ambubachi will start at 5:34:06 pm on June 22 and the temple door will be closed to the devotees at 4 pm.
The Kamakhya temple, the seat of Shakti worship has been attracting pilgrims from diverse age and background from across the country on the Ambubachi Mela and the Kamakhya Devuttar Board said it was expecting around 14 to 15 lakh people this year.
�For the first time in 100 years, a lunar eclipse will coincide with the Ambubachi. So after opening the temple door we will again have to close it early,� said Navakanta Sarma, secretary of the board.
The Ambubachi will end on June 26 at 5:57:46 am and the temple door will open for the devotees at 7.30 am. It will close again at 3.30 pm on account of the lunar eclipse.
Last year, more than 12 lakh people from all over the country including those who have renounced the world had visited the Kamakhya temple on the occasion of Ambubachi.
The temple authorities along with the district administration have made all arrangements to ensure that the devotees face no problem during their visit.
�The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has installed 100 temporary taps and constructed 100 temporary latrines,� said Sarma adding that the eight big and small pandals will be ready by this evening. The work of electrification will be completed tomorrow.
On the other hand, in view of the growing number of pilgrims, more ASTC buses will be plyed from Kachari bus stop to Kamakhya. Sarma mentioned that 10 ASTC buses will be pressed into service.
The Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) will provide round the clock service from June 21 to 27.
In order to maintain discipline amongst the pilgrims, the board will have 200 of its volunteers, apart from the NCC, Scout and Guide, in action.
Sarma said that every measure has been adopted to maintain law and order during the Ambubachi days and more than 18 close circuit cameras will be installed in the area.
