GUWAHATI, June 22 (TIWN): Ambubachi Mela, also known as Ambubasi festival, is held annually during monsoon in the Kamakhya Devi Temple at Guwahati, Assam. In 2014, the beginning date of Ambubachi Mela is June 22 and the festival ends on June 26.

 The Ambubachi festival is closely related to the Tantric cult and is also known as Kamkhya Devi Puja. It is believed that Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle during these days and therefore the temple remains closed for three days.Ambubachi Mela is also known as Ameti or Tantric fertility festival and is a four-day mela (fair). It is closely associated with the Tantric Shakti cult prevalent in eastern parts of India and is famous due to the assembling of Tantric Sadhus from India and abroad. Some of these Tantric Babas appear before public only during these four days.

The Tantric Sanyasins also attract the media and foreigners. And Tantric Babas performing numerous unique rituals and exercises are photographed and published in magazines and newspapers around the world. Devotees come from far off places to meet the Tantric Sadhus and take their blessings. Apart from this, the festival is noted for its rural craft fair.