Shining a light on the Abu Simbel Festival: 11-10-2007
Keen Egyptologists will no doubt recognise the famous Abu Simbel temple, one of the most famous sights in this ancient land bar the pyramids of Giza, but something extra special will be happening there on October 22nd.
On that date, visitors to the great building will be treated to the sight of the inner sanctum lighting up and illuminating the statues as the rising sun hits the temple's entrance and halls.
What makes this sight extraordinary is that the spectacle only happens twice every year, so it is no wonder that the event is celebrated with a festival involving music, dance and a feast and a crowd usually attends.
Due to the way in which the temple has been laid out, the sun's rays creep through the stone, lighting up the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amun, with the statute of Ptah, the god of darkness, so positioned that it remains in the shade.
Abu Simbel temple was built by Ramses II and the phenomenon was designed to occur only on the anniversary of his rise to the throne and on his birthday. Due to flooding the temple was moved, so the spectacle now occurs a day later than it did when originally built.
Those wishing to see this incredible sight are advised to book as far in advance as possible, and the event will occur again on February 22nd 2008.