Abu Simbel Sun Festival in Egypt (22/02)

In the 8th century BC, by order of Pharaoh Ramesses II, two temples were cut down in the Abu Simbel rock, located on the western bank of the Nile. The large rock temple was created in honor of the pharaoh himself, and the small — in honor of the goddess Hakhtor and the wife of Pharaoh Nefertari. The reason for the creation of these two temples was Ramesses' victory over the Hittites.

Four 20-meter statues were erected in front of the temple: three statues depicted the gods patronizing the Pharaoh's troops in the battles of – Amun, Ra and Ptah, and the fourth statue depicted the Pharaoh himself. It is noteworthy that the gods were depicted in the guise of Ramesses. At Ramesses' feet are small sculptures of Pharaoh's household — wife, children and mother. It is also noteworthy that the gaze of the stone pharaoh is directed towards the rising Sun — to the east.

Historians suggest that Ramesses' birthday falls on October 22, and coronation day — on February 22. That is why every year only twice a year on these days the Abu Simbel Sun Festival is held in Abu Simbel, which can rightfully be called a magnificent presentation of light.

The location of the temple elements is calculated in such a way that the first morning ray of sun, penetrating through the entrance niche and illuminating the 65-meter corridor, falls on the face of the Ramesses statue and brightly illuminates it for 12 minutes. At the same time, sunlight passes by the statue of the god Ptah, and on the statues of the gods Amun and Ra it lingers for six minutes. And this "light show" happens only twice a year.

Residents of the Abu Simbel area are preparing festive events with songs and dances for numerous tourists these days. Almost all local residents are ready to offer the services of guides and translators. Connoisseurs say that the best mode of transport to get to Abu Simbel is by boat.

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