The Ambubachi Mela, the unique and popular festival at the Kamakhya temple, is held in the month of June, attracting pilgrims from all over India. During the festival, the temple doors remain closed for three days in the belief that during these days the mother goddess goes through her annual menstruation and the pool containing her yoni (uterus) becomes red. The doors are reopened on the fourth day, which is when, according to popular belief, the goddess attains fertility and so does the land.
The Manasa festival (sometimes known as the Debaddhani festival), commencing in September, is celebrated at the Kamakhya temple to propitiate the snake goddess Manasa. The goddess is worshipped during outbreaks of epidemics. During the festival, devotees make offerings and appeal to the deity for blessings.
Rangoli Utsav is among the most important festivals in Guwahati. It is celebrated in April to welcome the oncoming of the agricultural season. Several communities of the state regardless of their caste and creed celebrate this festival. Rangoli Utsav is an excellent stage for displaying the multifarious ethnic cultures of the state. Then there is the Ahar mela at the festival where you can taste different delicacies from all parts of the country.
The three-day Brahmaputra Beach festival is held during the spring season, coinciding with the Assamese harvest festival. The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and the Assam Boat Racing & Rowing Association (ABRRA) jointly conduct it. The primary aim is to advance endemic culture, crafts and popularise the traditional sports of Assam. The festival has exhilarating water sports and adventure sports, and other events, catering to people of all age groups. The stalls in the fair have artefacts made by traditional craftsmen.
The Jonbeel Mela is held annually during the winter season at Jagiroad, located 32km from Guwahati. Here, various tribal communities of the northeast come from their abode in the hills with different indigenous merchandise. Before the mela begins, an 'Agni Puja' is performed for the welfare of humankind. The uniqueness of the fair lies in the barter system where these tribes exchange their merchandise with the local people.
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