Guwahati, Jun 27: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Saturday that this year's Ambubachi Mahayog drew a record footfall of more than 8 lakh devotees at the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills, calling the gathering a powerful reflection of the state's spiritual heritage and Sanatan tradition.

In a post on social media, the Chief Minister wrote, "Jai Maa Kamakhya. On the sacred occasion of Ambubachi Mahayog 2026, the presence of over 8 lakh devotees has transformed Maa Kamakhya Dham into a grand confluence of faith." He added that the overwhelming participation of devotees from across the country and abroad reflected the deep spiritual significance of the annual festival.

"This boundless devotion surging at the feet of the Mother is a living expression of Assam's spiritual power and the eternal Sanatan tradition," Sarma said.

According to a graphic shared by the Chief Minister, approximately eight lakh devotees thronged the Nilachal Hills during the festival, making it one of the largest gatherings in the history of the annual religious event.

The Ambubachi Mahayog is one of the most significant religious festivals celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas in the country.

The annual event marks the symbolic menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya and attracts lakhs of pilgrims, ascetics, sadhus and tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

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The temple remains closed for three days during the observance, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of the Goddess. It reopens on the fourth day after elaborate rituals, allowing devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The Assam government had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival, including enhanced security, traffic management, sanitation, medical facilities and accommodation for pilgrims.

Several departments worked in coordination to manage the massive influx of visitors and ensure that devotees could participate in the religious event without major inconvenience. The record turnout is being seen as a significant boost to Assam's religious tourism and a testament to the growing national and international prominence of the Ambubachi Mahayog.

(IANS)