In a spirited display of devotion, thousands of people in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, braved heavy rain to celebrate Meskel, one of the most significant religious festivals in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar. The festival commemorates the discovery of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified, according to tradition.

On Thursday, crowds gathered at Meskel Square for a vibrant mix of rituals, speeches, and theatrical performances. Despite the weather, the highlight of the evening—the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire—went ahead, symbolizing the illumination of faith.

Security was notably heightened at the event, a reflection of increased safety measures across Ethiopia due to ongoing conflicts in regions such as Amhara and Oromia.

Traditional music filled the air as musicians played ancient instruments, including the begena, a 10-stringed lyre. When the downpour intensified, players shielded their instruments, but the festivities continued, showing the resilience and spirit of the people.

The Meskel celebration, steeped in faith and history, remains a deeply cherished occasion, weathering even the fiercest of storms.

In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.

The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.

Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.

Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.

Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.