Thousands of Astana residents braved below-freezing temperatures to commemorate the Russian Orthodox Church’s Epiphany Day by dipping into icy water.
Many Kazakhstanis traditionally take part in Epiphany bathing on the night of Jan. 19, submerging themselves in freezing water to mark the Orthodox Christian feast.
The ritual symbolizes the baptism of Christ at the start of the new year. It is believed the tradition brings good health to worshippers and washes them of their sins.
