Holy men descend to Guwahati for Ambubachi festival

Hundreds of Hindu holy men perform rituals at the temple for the four day long festival. This mela is also known as Ameti or Tantric fertility festival since it is closely associated with Tantric Shakti cult prevalent in eastern parts of India.

An Indian Hindu holy man smokes ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival. The temple remains closed for three days during the mela for it is believed that mother earth becomes unclean for three days like the traditional women's menstrual seclusion.

Indian Hindu devotees gather to offer prayers ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

An Indian Hindu holy woman offers prayers ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival.

An Indian Hindu holy man smears ash on his face ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival.

Indian Hindu devotees take deep bath in the Saubhagya Kundo, or the pond of luck, ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati

A Hindu holy man, puts flowers on another's head decorated with Rudraksha beads.

An Indian Hindu holy man smokes ahead of the annual Ambubachi festival at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati