The Ethiopian New year was celebrated with great pomp in New Delhi at the Embassy of Ethiopia. thiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is a time of joy, reflection, and connection. It was Celebrated on September 11th (or September 12th during a leap year), this day marks the end of the rainy season and the start of a new year in the Ethiopian calendar. The event was attended by various African ambassadors and diplomats in Delhi.
Rich in cultural significance, this holiday is filled with various activities that bring families and communities together.
- Historical linkages between India and Ethiopia go back about 2,000 years of recorded history. Trade between the two countries flourished during the ancient Axumite Empire (1 Century AD), which is seen to be origin of modern Ethiopia. Indian traders trade silk and spices for gold and ivory through the ancient port of Adulis in the 6 Century AD. In the 16 century AD, the Portuguese assisted the Christian King in Ethiopia to repel Muslim invaders, and with them came Indians from Goa. In 1868, General Robert Napier led a punitive expedition to obtain the release of European diplomats and missionaries who had been imprisoned by Emperor Tewodros II in his bunker fort at Makdala. The 30,000 strong force had 13,000 soldiers from India, mostly Sikhs. The British Army that ended the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936-41) also had a sizeable contingent of Indian soldiers. General William Plat, who led one of the three simultaneous attacks, commanded a force consisting of the 4 and 5 Indian Divisions.
- Soon after achieving independence, a goodwill mission led by Sardar Sant Singh was sent to Ethiopia. Diplomatic relations at legation level were established in 1948. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1950 with Sardar Sant Singh as the first Ambassador.
Find the link below by the Indian embasssy Ethiopia and download to know more about the India Ethiopia Relations:
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