Ambubachi Mela 2026: Assam braces for 8 lakh devotees as massive security, traffic and pilgrim arrangements roll out

The Assam government has put in place extensive arrangements for the upcoming Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple, with authorities expecting nearly 800,000 devotees and visitors to participate in the annual religious congregation.

Addressing the media, Assam Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog said that three large camps have been established to accommodate devotees and visitors during the festival. She informed that road carpeting and resurfacing works are being undertaken to improve connectivity, while a public announcement system has also been arranged to facilitate crowd management and dissemination of information.

The minister emphasised that cleanliness and sanitation have been accorded top priority across the temple premises and surrounding areas. Special facilities have also been created for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.

To safeguard public health, Food Inspectors have been deployed to closely monitor food quality and safety standards throughout the mela period. Highlighting Assam's growing tourism sector, Neog stated that the state has received approximately 8.5 million domestic tourists and around 42,000 foreign tourists so far.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Guwahati, Jayanta Sarathi Borah, outlined a detailed traffic management plan for the event. He announced that no vehicles, except emergency services, will be allowed beyond Nursery Point. Vehicles transporting food supplies will be permitted movement only between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

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Ferry services have been arranged through the Pandu route and from Sonaram School Playground to facilitate the movement of devotees. Vehicles travelling from Kamakhya Railway Station towards Pandu Port will be diverted via Adabari, while vehicles approaching from Jalukbari will not be allowed to proceed through the Swagat Hospital route.

Public buses will be permitted to use the flyover, but they will not be allowed to operate on the service road beneath it. Authorities have also designated multiple parking locations and warned that roadside parking will be strictly prohibited.

Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, Diganta Barah, stated that devotees will be allowed to proceed towards Kamakhya Temple between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM. He further warned that strict action will be taken against individuals found under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances.

The administration has also directed that no devotee will be allowed to proceed towards the temple premises while wearing shoes or sandals, in keeping with the sanctity of the shrine.

With lakhs of pilgrims expected to arrive from across the country, authorities have expressed confidence that the comprehensive arrangements will ensure a safe, orderly and spiritually fulfilling Ambubachi Mela 2026.