Timkat festival is the celebration that commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. Timket’ is a Ge’ez, ancient Ethiopian language, word meaning “immersion in water”. Pilgrims congregate from all parts of the country to celebrate the epiphany. It takes place on 19th January every year.
If you want to visit Ethiopia then this is the prime time. The Timkat festival lasts for 3 days. The amazing part of the whole festival is the re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus Christ. The night before (January 18), priests take the Tabot (which symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant) containing the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, from each Church. Concealed by an ornamental cloth, it is taken to a tent, close to a consecrated pool or stream, accompanied by much ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and the burning of incense.Only the senior priests can carry the Tabot to a specified spot in the river. Carrying the Ark of the Covenant to the river signifies the coming of Jesus to the river to be baptized by John the Baptist. Tabot is holy and only a few people can handle it.Throughout the night sermons in relation to the Baptismal of Jesus, singing, dancing and praying to continue. The Kiddase (Divine Liturgy) is administered near the pools early in the morning. Passages from the story of the Baptism of Jesus Christ recited from the four Gospels at the cardinal points of the pool.The Patriarch (head priest) dips his cross to bless the water. Three candles are floated on a water of wood in the baptismal pool, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The water is then blessed and sprinkled towards the assembled congregation, some of whom immerse themselves in the water, symbolically renewing their baptismal vows. The blessing of the water is the signal for jubilation and great excitement as anticipation spreads through the crowds. Priests spray water on expectant onlookers. Sprinklers reach those further from the perimeter fence. Joy radiates on the face of those with drops of water glowing on their faces. Some jump into the pool and help shower others. Others fill receptacles with holy water for those too old or infirm to take part.The festivities don’t end there. The remainder of the day is spent in celebration, culminating in a colorful procession during which the tabors are escorted back to the churches.
A large variety of local Ethiopian artifacts are available during the celebration. There are crosses of different sizes, traditional attire and body ornaments that are used. All the people attending epiphany dress in white robes. The white robes signify purity and holiness. It is a colorful scene that blends well with the Ethiopian songs that are sung during the festival. Being a night festival, you also get a chance to enjoy their ancient way of producing light.On January 19th, there are traditional dances and drumming that sets the pace for Timkat celebration. Special food such as Injera, Shiro, kitfo and berbere is served. To a visitor, these are tasty meals you can only find in Ethiopia. They cook them with precision and add traditional spices to give the best taste.Addis Ababa, Gondar and Lalibela are the best places to attend to this festival.