Amati (ritual)

''Amati'' also known as Ambuvachi is ritual followed in Kamrup and Goalpara regions in Western Assam. It is ancient fertility cult and also incorporated into the mother godness cult as Kamakhya as its centre.

Practices

As per tradition, during ritual days mother earth is believed passing through menstrual period and thus to be in unclean state. Hence on this days farmers would not till the soil or plant any seeds. Orthodox widows and Brahmins abstain from any food except fruits. All household article are believed to contact uncleanliness and go thorough cleaning cleaning operation as as Amati period is over.

Symbolism

The idea of earth's menstruation is symbolic of the belief in her productive capacity which naturally activated after the onset of the wet weather.

Ambuvachi Mela

The end of Amati days celebrated with a fair known as "Ambuvachi Mela" in Kamakhya Temple complex and opening of main doors of temple after brief closure during Amati days.