GUWAHATI, June 23, 2013: Devotees thronged the historic Kamakhya temple in large numbers on Saturday, as the AmbubachiMela began. The festival kicked off with the closure of the temple door at 12.15pm.

According to the Kamakhya Debutter Board the number of visitors to the temple premises has already crossed 2.5 lakh on the first day of the festival. The Ambubachi Mela will conclude on Wednesday.

Sanyasis have been camping atop the Nilachal Hills, where the temple is located, since the last few days, but the rush has gone up considerably from Friday night.

"Thousands of people are arriving in the city, especially from northern and eastern parts of the country, on the occasion of Ambubachi Mela. A majority of people prefer to stay atop the hills during the festival, though the state government has arranged accommodation in the foothills. Till now, celebrations have been absolutely peaceful. Food is being distributed by various private trusts. There are two hospitals near the temple and sick persons are being rushed there. Everything is running smoothly," said Naba Kanta Sarma, secretary of the debutter board.

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 23, 2013.