The historic Kamakhya Temple, perched atop Assam’s Nilachal Hills, celebrates Durga Puja and Navaratri in a distinctive manner.

This year, the 15-day-long Durga Puja festival began on September 26, marked by the absence of idol worship. The celebrations commenced with the chanting of slokas and rituals performed by priests.

The Durga Puja at Kamakhya Temple starts on the ninth day of the waning moon, known as “Krishna Navami,” and continues until the ninth day of the waxing moon, or “Sukla Navami,” in the Hindu month of Ashvin.

Himadri Sharma, a priest at the temple, explained that the festival follows this unique schedule every year.

"We celebrate Durga Puja with different fervour each year.Although we do not worship a Durga idol, all other rituals are observed. We have made all necessary arrangements," news agency ANI reported quoting Sharma.

Regarding the Navratri celebrations, Sharma mentioned that Kumari Puja (virgin worship) will be performed starting from the first day after Navratri.

"On the first day, one Kumari Puja will be performed, on the second day two, and so on, culminating with nine Kumaris being worshipped on the ninth day," he added.

A devotee from Rajasthan shared his experience, stating that he visits the historic temple every year during Durga Puja.

“The fortnight-long Durga Puja festival at Kamakhya Temple is an annual event, and we feel very happy to visit "here," he said.

The Kamakhya Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India, is renowned for its unique traditions and spiritual significance.

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