Whether you believe in God or not, we cannot ignore that millions on this planet engage in religious acts or celebrations—whatever their faith may be.

Timkat, meaning ‘baptism,’ commemorates Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Ethiopians embrace this annually through mass baptisms at sacred waterfronts or pools nationwide—foremost in Lalibela, Gondar, and Addis Ababa. Orthodox Christians celebrate this day with a grand festival beginning the prior evening on Ketera (January 18).

I rarely photograph mass gatherings or celebrations. But in 2019, while on a photographic journey through Ethiopia, I found myself in Gondar precisely during Timkat. Witnessing such profound devotion, I couldn’t resist using my camera. The series presented here unfolds during the night and dawn of January 18–19, 2019.

Translated with Deepseek AI