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Ethiopia this African nation though is economically backward but nevertheless culturally very rich. It is important to note that the country is the oldest nations among all other nations in the world. ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in the world. Among the total population, 61% are Christians, 33% are Muslims and there are many other religions too. Festivals play an important role in the country. Timkat-Feast of the Epiphany festival is one of the most important festivals in ethiopia.
The festival is generally celebrated on 19th January every year which falls after two weeks of the ethiopian christmas. The festival is celebrated for three days, the pious start begins on the Eve of the Timkat. The colorful procession is the inaugural item which gives a deep impact to the viewers. The Jordan River in this particular festival plays an important role in the celebration of this festival. The second day goes on with the ritualistic practices that are performed in the Jordan River. The following day, that is the third day is commemorated to St. Michael's feast, St. Michael is considered to be the most important priest in ethiopia.
The celebration of the Timkat, feast of Epiphany is always celebrated in good spirits and good whether. The feast that is arranged is extravagant and large in scale. The arrangements for the feast take place well before hand. Generally on the days of the feast, huge and special bread is baked, sheep is given good food to make them fatten so then can be slaughtered and tasty meats are produced. Beverages also play an important role in the festival, so mead and bear which are know in ethiopia as Tej and Tella, respectively. Gifts are purchased for relatives and neighbors and especially for children. During the three days of the festival ethiopia seems to have forgotten all its pains and only cheer for merry makings. People wear new clothes and make them fully intoxicated with merry making element.
On the eve of 18th January, the Priests, known as the Ketera dispatches the Tabot from all the churches and bless the waters of the river for the festival next day. The Old Testament of the bible is more important in this festival. The festival nevertheless makes the ethiopians active and makes them active for the next year to come. The Timkat-Feast of the Epiphany has got immense importance to the ethiopians; this festival gives out the message of peace and togetherness to them.
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