What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?

What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?

Table of Content  

• Introduction  

• What is the Sun Festival?

• What causes a unique event to happen twice a year at Abu Simbel?

• When is the best time to visit Abu Simbel?

• What is the cost to enter Abu Simbel?

• What does Abu Simbel mean in English?

• What are 5 facts about Abu Simbel?

• When does the Abu Simbel Sun Festival happen?

• Where is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival held?

• In what ways can one experience the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?

• Conclusion

Introduction  

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is a rare astronomical and cultural event in Egypt. It happens when the rising sun perfectly aligns with the inner sanctuary of the Abu Simbel temple two times a year. Sunlight travels deep inside the temple to illuminate statues of ancient gods. As it was made to honor the sun god, ancient architects made the temple in a unique and complex way so that only on two dates does the sunlight reach the god’s statue. The event celebrates the brilliance of ancient Egyptian engineering and astronomy.

Every year, a number of people visit there to be part of the Sun Festival. One of the most common ways to reach Abu Simbel is by an Egypt River cruise, as it sails between Aswan and Luxor, which is a major shore excursion. In this blog, let’s get answers to commonly asked questions about Abu Simbel’s famous festival. Many travelers have an interest in knowing about what the Sun Festival is and why it is celebrated.

What is the Sun Festival?

The Sun Festival marks the moment when sunlight reaches the statues of Ra-Horakhty (Sun God), Amun-Ra, and Pharaoh Ramses II. One statue, Ptah (god of darkness), remains in shadow, as it was made that way by the ancient architects. This alignment of sun rays to the sanctuary lasts for only about 20 minutes. 

What causes a unique event to happen twice a year at Abu Simbel?

The intelligent and scholarly engineers of ancient Egypt constructed the temple around 3,000 years ago. They have designed the temple in a way that it aligns with the sun’s position on two specific days. It shows the astronomical knowledge that was acquired by the engineers of the time. 

The two dates on which the sunrays reach the sanctuary are believed, according to the scriptures, to be Ramses II’s coronation and Ramses II’s birthday. Abu Simbel Temple was relocated in the 1960s to protect it, but the alignment with the sun still happens every year with just a shift of 1 day. 

When is the best time to visit Abu Simbel?

To witness the unique Sun festival performed for ages, February and October can be the best times to visit Abu Simbel. Here, travelers can see the unique Egyptian culture and can be part of the festive vibe. The best time can be the early morning before sunrise, to see the alignment of the sun rays on the temple sanctuary. 

The temple has four statues of Ramesses II that are dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The small temple has statues of his queen, Nefertari, and is dedicated to the goddess Hathor.  

What is the cost to enter Abu Simbel?

Ticket prices may change, but generally foreign adults are charged around EGP 250–300. Special festival days may include extra costs for tours or seating. Prices can vary depending on government regulations. For travelers, taking the well-planned tours and itinerary does not require paying for the entry fee, as these are included in packages of Nile Cruisen. The tourists also get assistance from the experienced tour guides during the shore excursion. One of the major reasons for taking a well-planned itinerary for an all-inclusive Nile cruise is preferred. 

What does Abu Simbel mean in English?

The name comes from a local Nubian legend; it roughly translates to “Father of the Ear of Corn” or refers to a young boy who guided explorers to the site. In which Abu means “father” (a commonly used word in Arabic), and Simbel means “ear of corn” or “grain.” The meaning is symbolic of the words meant in Arabic rather than a direct English translation. 

What are 5 facts about Abu Simbel?

• It was built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE to honor the sun god and to give a message of power to Nubia. 
• The site and statues are carved entirely into a sandstone cliff. 
• It was saved from flooding and destruction by a massive UNESCO relocation project that took place in the 1960s. 
• The temple features four 20-meter-tall statues of Ramses II. 
• Due to astronomical events and complex design, it is considered one of the greatest achievements of ancient architecture. 

When does the Abu Simbel Sun Festival happen?

The Abu Simbel festival occurs two times a year, first on February 22 and then on October 22. On these two days, a unique astronomical event occurs, and a festival is organized, which is widely known as the Sun Festival. 

Where is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival held?

At the Great Temple of Ramses II, located in Abu Simbel, southwest of the city of Aswan. The temple after relocation is situated near Lake Nasser, close to the Sudanese border. At the temple, a festival takes place, and during these two days of the year, tourists can witness the rich, colorful culture of Egyptian heritage. 

In what ways can one experience the Abu Simbel Sun Festival? 

• These tips are listed here after accessing multiple tour guides and from the experience blog of the explorers. 
• To witness the sunrays touching the statues, you should arrive early, around 4-5 AM, to secure a good seating space. 
• Only visit with a tour guide to understand the cultural and historical significance better. 
• You can attend the dance and musical performances performed outside the temple; it can be the best way to dive deeper into the rich Egyptian culture.
• It is advised to visit the small temple of Nefertari, the queen, as its walls have adorable carvings. 
• Combine the trip with a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan to experience both culture and nature’s serene beauty. 

Conclusion 

The sun festival at the Great Abu Simbel Temple is more than just a tourist visit; travelers during that time can feel a deep connection with the culture and tradition of Egypt. It is advised to tourists that they should make advance bookings for cruises on the Nile, as it is a famous event, and last-minute bookings for 3-night Nile cruises may not be available. Witness the astronomical brilliance adorning the ancient architecture that gets clicked into your memories for years.