Ambubachi Mela To Witness 25 Lakh Devotees This Year

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The opening ceremony for the grand Ambubachi Mela is scheduled for June 21 at 4 pm at Sonaram Field. The inaugural function will be attended by Tourisim Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Himanta Biswa Sharma and many other prominent ministers. Bollywood singing sensation Kailesh Kher has been invited to perform for the ceremony, while the Bhagwad Paath will be recounted by Sadhvi Aditi Bharati from June 22 to 25.

Addressing a press communiqué on Wednesday, ATDC Chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah informed that the tourism budget for the fair is Rs 1 crore 36 lakh. The Kamakhya Devalaya will close its gates on June 22 marking the beginning of the religious fair and a crowd of 25 lakh is expected to throng the city. The biggest camp is set up at Fancy Bazaar oil jail, where accommodations have been set up for almost 20 to 25 thousand devotees. Unlike every year, as there is no camp set up at Kamakhya Station, an information centre has been set up in its stead.

Fierce campaign has been organized by the Tourism Department especially in Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, UP and MP this time. In Delhi and Kolkatta airports, starting from standing boards to digital screens, Ambubachi campaigns have been displayed. This time, no VIP passes will be issued and ASTC buses have been arranged for emergency travels. Arrangements for rest rooms, toilets, bathrooms and proper railings on all the three roads leading to the Devalaya have been made. All the shoes will have to be stored at one spot only, after which the road is lined with carpets for the convenience of the devotees.

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