By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Assam government has finalised extensive preparations for the annual Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, with authorities anticipating the arrival of nearly eight lakh pilgrims and visitors during the four-day religious event.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the festival, Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog said the administration has taken a series of measures to ensure the smooth conduct of one of the country’s largest spiritual gatherings. Dedicated accommodation facilities have been established through three major camps to host devotees arriving from different parts of India.
To improve access to the Nilachal Hills, road improvement works, including resurfacing and carpeting, are being carried out along key routes leading to the shrine. Authorities have also installed an extensive public address system to provide real-time information and assist in crowd regulation throughout the mela.
Neog stated that maintaining hygiene across the temple complex and adjoining areas remains a key focus. Additional sanitation infrastructure has been put in place, while arrangements have been made to support elderly pilgrims and persons with disabilities during their visit.
Food safety monitoring has also been strengthened, with inspectors deployed across the mela zone to ensure that vendors comply with prescribed quality standards. The minister noted that Assam‘s tourism sector continues to witness growth, with the state recording around 85 lakh domestic tourist arrivals and approximately 42,000 foreign visitors so far.
A comprehensive traffic management strategy has been prepared by the Guwahati Traffic Police to manage the expected influx of vehicles. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jayanta Sarathi Borah said vehicular movement beyond Nursery Point will be prohibited, except for emergency services. Vehicles carrying essential food supplies will be permitted only during designated night hours between 11 pm and 5 am.
To ease transportation pressure on city roads, ferry services will operate through the Pandu route, while shuttle arrangements have been planned from Sonaram School Playground for devotees heading towards the temple.
Several traffic diversions will remain in force during the mela. Vehicles moving from Kamakhya Railway Station towards Pandu Port will be rerouted through Adabari, while traffic approaching from Jalukbari will not be allowed to use the route via Swagat Hospital. Public buses will continue to use the flyover, although movement on the service road beneath it will remain restricted.
The administration has earmarked designated parking zones for visitors and cautioned that unauthorised roadside parking will attract strict enforcement measures.
Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Diganta Barah informed that pilgrims will be allowed to proceed towards the temple between 5 am and 6 pm each day. He also warned that individuals found consuming alcohol or narcotic substances would face legal action.
In keeping with the religious traditions associated with the shrine, devotees will not be permitted to enter the temple approach area while wearing footwear.
Officials expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of multiple departments would ensure efficient crowd management, public safety and a seamless pilgrimage experience during Ambubachi Mela 2026, which draws devotees, sadhus and tourists from across the country every year.