Guwahati, June 22 -- By NE NOW NEWS

Guwahati: The annual Ambubachi Mela, one of the most significant religious gatherings in the country, commenced at the Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hills on Monday night with the beginning of the sacred rituals associated with the festival.

The ceremonial Pravritti ritual was performed at 9:08 pm, marking the start of the four-day observance. In keeping with centuries-old tradition, the temple doors have been closed for three days to symbolise the yearly menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya, a revered representation of feminine energy, fertility and creation.

Thousands of devotees, saints, sadhus and pilgrims from different parts of India have already arrived in Guwahati to take part in the festiva...