If I say there is a festival that celebrates a menstruating godess I probably would sound insignificant to many but coming from Assam, I proudly belong to the land where women are not just respected and devoted with no dowry and other privileges there is also a festival celebrating the very normal biological process of menstruation which more than half of India is shy to even talk about. MAA kamakhya as we know a version of the fearless sati blesses the valley of Guwahati, the mythological story behind her shrine is that the lower abdomen and uterus area of the godess fell on this land while Lord Shiva performed his Tandav Nritya with the body of Sati in his hand after she dived into fire following humiliation from her father.
Every year thousands of pilgrims, tantriks and aghoris come from all around the world to witness this festival called the ambubachi. It is apparently the time when the godess menstruates and all the temples are closed for 3 days. While the godess goes through her annual cycle the whole city celebrates and rejoices the phenomena. Vendors and sellers crowd around the temple and pilgrims come all the way to see different kinds of people and saints. Some play music, some are naked, some predict future and some get high on marijuana. Its a riot of colors and characters and the whole temple witnesses a different kind of energy and devotion all together. So if you are visiting Guwahati try and make it during monsoons and witness this annual festival of charm, character and devotion.
#travel #festivalsofindia #northeastindia #indianmythology #templesofindia
