Festival of Opet Luxor

The ancient Egyptians used to celebrate grand festivals in order to break the monotony of life and to indulge in some interesting activities. Whether the festival was religious or political, both the rich and the poor used to take pleasure in these elating events and would forget their chores for a day or two. The festivals are the embodiments of the feted Egyptian culture.

The Opet Festival also known as the 'Beautiful Feast of Opet' is one such striking festival of Egypt that is observed annually in the region of Theban.
The term 'Opet' means 'secret chamber' and it denotes the secluded rooms and private chambers adjacent to the sacred sanctuary of Amun of Luxor in the inmost compartment of the Temple of Amenotep III. These secret rooms are positioned on a low mould that is believed as the original Mound of Creation that emerged from the primeval waters.

The Festival of Opet was held in the second month of Akhet meaning inundation as it was associated with the season of flood as well as fecundity from the rich black soil. During this time the sacred kingship was reclaimed and the king's right to rule re-asserted through special rituals. The festival scenes are magnificently engraved on the great arcade wall of Amenhotep III at Luxor Temple. The western walls portray the southward parade from Karnak to Luxor, and the eastern wall depicts the return journey.

A spectacular procession honoring Amun would depart from the Temple of Amun in in Karnak and would reach the Luxor Temple that was located one and a half miles away at the southern end of Luxor. The wab-priests carried the Barque of Amun of Karnak on their shoulders throughout the entire journey and the parade was followed by the Pharoah himself, other priests, notable personalities, soldiers, musicians, acrobatic dancers, singers, drummers. A huge amount of food and drinks were carried and offered and numerous religious rites were performed. This festival which was held during the reign of Hatshepsut continued for twenty-seven days.