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Kamakhya fest begins in Assam

     Guwahati: Thousands of devotees and holy men from across the country assembled at a temple at Guwahati in Assam to hold special prayers to please goddess Kamakhya. Holy men and widows observe fast and refrain from eating non- vegetarian food during the six-day festival, which began on Monday. The temple, which is situated about 300 kilometres above sea level on the banks of river Brahmaputra, is dedicated to goddess Kamakhya, consort of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the dead body of Goddess Sati was divided into 51 pieces and that the temple is the "yoni peeth" (seat of female fertility). The idol of goddess Kamakhya inside the temple is represented by a female fertility symbol. The festival is celebrated to mark menstruation period of the goddess during which the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine remains closed. It is believed that prayers offered to the goddess during this time impress her and it is an auspicious time to attain spiritual salvation. "I have come here to make offerings to mother Goddess. Its a big mela. Sadhus come here from different places to get prasad from Mother Goddess," said Bappi Giri, a devotee from West Bengal. Rajeev Sharma, Publicity Secretary of Ambubachi mela organizing committee, said adequate arrangements had been made for the devotees. "Along with the government authorities we have made many special arrangements for the devotees who come here for worshipping goddess Durga. So far, things are going well, and it seems that the devotees are happy with the arrangements," said Sharma. The festival is attended by both Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu, as well as Shaviks (followers of Lord Shiva. Vaishanvites are vegetarians while Shaviks are meat eaters and indulge in smoking and drinking. Both the sects do not communicate with anyone during the fasting period. After the fourth day when they break their fast, the holy men as well as devotees freely mix with others and celebrate by smearing colours on each other. They mostly dress up in red which is considered sacred.
- June 21, 2004