Context: With the lockdown, the annual festival at the Kamakhya temple here has been cancelled for the first time in its recorded history. 
About Kamakhya Devi temple

• It is located atop the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Assam.
• Kamakhya is one of the 51 shaktipeeths (holy sites) for the followers of the Shakti cult, each representing a body part of Sati, Lord Shiva’s companion.
• It is said that it was built by the demon king Narakasura. Records are available only from 1565 when Koch King Naranarayana had the temple rebuilt.
• Its northern face slopes down to the Brahmaputra River.

Importance associated with it

• Cultural: The ritualistic fair celebrates the Goddess’ period due to which taboo associated with menstruation is less in Assam compared to other parts of India.
• The attainment of womanhood of girls in Assam is celebrated with a ritual called Tuloni Biya, meaning small wedding.
• Social: The fair is also an occasion to promote menstrual hygiene among the visitors through the use of sanitary pads.
• Financial: Assam records a footfall of at least 5 lakh devotees during the fair mainly from West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Foreigners also visit which boost the state tourism and the revenues associated.

About Ambubachi Mela

• The Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu Festival at Kamakhya Devi temple.
• It is a four-day celebration, which often falls in June.
• The temple’s houses the — female genitals — symbolised by a rock. The festival marks the menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya.
• The temple remains shut during these days as it is believed that Mother Earth becomes unclean.