Every June, the Kamakhya Temple in Assam closes its doors for four days - not for repairs or rituals, but for something far more powerful: the Goddess's menstruation. The Ambubachi Mela, one of the most spiritually charged festivals in Northeast India, honors this natural cycle as a symbol of fertility, creation, and divine femininity.

Unlike many traditions that silence or stigmatize menstruation, this mela treats it as sacred. Devotees from across the country flock to the Nilachal Hills of Guwahati, where the temple is believed to house Shakti Peetha, the spot where the goddess’s womb fell.

During the four days, the temple remains closed, symbolizing rest for the Goddess Kamakhya. When the doors reopen, it marks a moment of spiritual renewal and celebration. The mela also sparks conversations around menstrual health and dignity, challenging deep-rooted taboos with spiritual reverence.

More than just a religious event, Ambubachi is a cultural statement - one that turns menstruation from a private matter into a public celebration of womanhood.