Lockdown: Cancellation of 'Ambubachi Mela' Likely to make Dent in Assam Economy

Guwahati, April 25, 2020:

"Losses will be there this year, but there is no other way. Everywhere you look, people are incurring losses. We have to do this for the sake of the people -- people come to the fair from all states and also from other nations. We have to do this for the sake of the people so that the disease (coronavirus) does not spread", said Ridip Sharma, a panda (priest) of the Kamakhya Devalaya that has cancelled its annual Ambubachi Mela (or fair) as the nation observes lockdown.

As the world grapples with the complexities of the COVID crisis, pilgrims' rush to this year's Ambubachi Mela has been cancelled. The temple authorities will not even allow the local residents to offer up their houses/rooms on rent. Moreover, the stay and fooding for the ascetics, who congregate each year at the Kamakhya temple, has not been arranged this year either, we were informed.

[caption id="attachment_57815" align="alignnone" width="660"] A goat strolling in the temple grounds amid 'lockdown'[/caption]

The Tourism sector of Assam is deeply connected to the annual fair. Last year, 2.6 crores was allotted by the Government to the temple authorities to perform the ritual. This year, it is not clear whether the Government will allocate any money at all.

"Last year, we had 15-16 lakh people visiting the temple during the busiest season of the year. This year, we are not allowing anybody to come here. We have informed the authorities and they will have to ensure security so that the rules are maintained", Ridip says. Although the rites and rituals will be performed as per the existing rules, Ridip says that the entrance to the Nilgiri Hills, the iconic landmark atop which the Kamakhya is situated, will be cut off.

Sarma says that this decision was taken because infections are "inevitable" during the Ambubachi. "Look, if you come to this fair, you will see that many people fall sick and common viruses are spread around. Many people will suffer from cold and fever at some point. It is impossible to check and regulate things in such a massive gathering. Thus, it was decided not to take the risk as the COVID is taking its toll right now."

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For the scores upon scores who look towards the annual Ambubachi Mela that is held at the Kamakhya Debalaya, this year's announcement cancelling the entry of visitors to the temple grounds will make a sizable dent in many a wallet. Moreover, the lodges, shops, and taxi drivers who use the opportunity of the fair to add some more money to their coffers will also incur economic damage.

Assam's economy, which already seems to be crying for a reprieve amid the ongoing lockdown, will not receive a kickstart with the fair, and some locals are feeling the pangs of the COVID-19.

"We live near the Kamakhya, and we are connected with the rites and rituals within the temple. Every year, tourists come here. Instead of staying at hotels, the devotees stay at the priests' houses. This year, we will incur heavy losses", says Prabir Sarma, a local who lets out 4 rooms in his private residence during the time of the mela. Sarma says that 10-12 people stay in his rooms during the mela. "However, we do not charge them a fixed fee; they pay us according to their heart's desire. I stand to lose 20,000-25,000."

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"There are many people who are a part of the Kamakhya economic sub-system. There are many who are connected to the temple. In all, they could stand to lose a heavy amount amid the lockdown", he said. However, he added that the decision to ban tourists from the ritual is necessary given the circumstances under which the lockdown has been clamped.

The Thriving Economy of Kamakhya:

Notably, most of the tourists that throng the Nilachal Hills site in Guwahati come from the neighbouring West Bengal. The small-time business establishments and taxi drivers also seek to make an extra buck during this time.

Every year, devotees cluster together in the numerous lodges located along the route to the Devalaya situated atop the hill. The land owners, during the 4-day period at times earn around Rs 20,000-25,000, as attested by Prabin Sharma.

From all corners of Assam and beyond, lakhs and lakhs of people converge at the iconic fair that is known for its colourful display of religious paraphernalia at hundreds of stalls. The presence of sadhus or wandering ascetics is another highlight of the annual extravaganza.

In recent times, this age-old fair has received renewed interest. In 2015, the fair saw a footfall of 7,40,000 visitors, in 2016, the number rose to 24,00,000. In recent times, the figure has hovered near the 30 lakh mark.

Thus, the loss of a significant amount of revenue to these small time traders, is likely to come as a double whammy to the economy of the state that is already reeling under the ill-effects of the very-necessary lockdown.

For the thriving economic subsystem of Kamakhya temple, things have come to a screeching halt amid the lockdown and the usually-bustling Nilgiri hills is now lying quiet amid the rampage of the corona.

During the Ambubachi Mela in Guwahati, the doors of the Kamakhya Temple remain closed for three days as it is believed that the Mother Earth menstruates during that period. During this time, no farming work is done by the community of Assam. Daily worship and other religious performances are also halted. Many musicians from all across the Northeast and beyond perform near the temple premises.

This year, though, none of these activities, at least the ones which could potentially boost the economy, will be performed leaving a certain section of the people in economic doldrums.

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