Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany)

Timket is the greatest colorful festival of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, It celebrates the baptism of Christ in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. It is a three-day concern and all the ceremonies are conducted with great ceremony.
The eve of Timket is called Ketera. This is when the Tabots of each churches being carried out in demonstration to a place near a river or the water of a pool where the next day’s celebration will take place. A special tent is set up where each Tabots(replicate of arc of covenant )rest, each hosting a swollen with pride method depicting the church’s saint in front. The members of the church choirs chant the hymns. This is accompanied by special pray sticks and cistern, the whipping of the drum, ringing of bells.. Processional crosses of varying size and elaboration, and a very Ethiopian art characteristic are also seen on the occasion. The next day towards morning public space of people and ecclesiastics go to the water and attend the praying of the priests.