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Drums, chants and celebrations as Ethiopians mark the baptism of Jesus

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Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have been celebrating the festival of Timket, or Epiphany, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

In the town of Batu, on the shores of Lake Dambal in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, priests from the local churches escort replicas of the Ark of Covenant – also known as tabots – which, according to tradition, contain the Biblical Ten Commandments.

Anadolu via Getty Images A priest in a boat on the water is shaded from the sun by a large red umbrella. The boat is also carrying a replica of the ark covered in a gold cloth.Anadolu via Getty Images

Drummers from the churches sing spiritual songs as they accompany their community’s tabot.

Anadolu via Getty Images A woman in a purple top chants an bangs a drum.Anadolu via Getty Images

Anadolu via Getty Images A traditional drummer bangs his instrument as people clap along in the background.Anadolu via Getty Images

The churches’ processional crucifixes are also brought along.

Anadolu via Getty Images A priest in traditional clothes stands holding a curcifix.Anadolu via Getty Images

Andalou via Getty Images An Ethiopia priest wearing a green traditional cap has his mouth open as he chants.Andalou via Getty Images

Once the tabots are gathered in one place, the priests lead a prayer ceremony.

Anadolu via Getty Images A group of priests in traditional clothes hold the top of their colourful robes up above their heads.Anadolu via Getty Images

Worshippers watch on as the ceremony unfolds.

Anadolu via Getty Images Women in white cotton scarves and head coverings look on. Anadolu via Getty Images

In the capital, Addis Ababa, a priest conducted a symbolic baptism.

EBC A priest uses a big hose to baptise those people watching on.EBC

EPA A large crowd of worshippers hold their hands up as they are being sprayed with water in a symbolic baptism. EPA

Hundreds of thousands of people across the country turned out to mark Timket.

EPA An image taken from behind of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrating Timket - they are wearing their traditional religious clothes. The bright sun can be seen in the sky above.


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