Liturgical Honoring of Marduk’s Victory and Kingship
Primary Theme: Renewal of the Cosmos through Divine Order
Duration:
Traditionally observed over twelve days, beginning at the first crescent of Nisan (vernal equinox season). In a reconstituted religious calendar, it may be celebrated either:
Over twelve consecutive days with full rites, or
Condensed into a three-day solemn observance, with primary rituals on Days 1, 6, and 12.
| Day | Theme | Ritual Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beginning of the Year | Silent vigil at sunset; purification of temple and self |
| 2 | Invocation of Marduk | Recitation of creation myths (Enuma Elish, Tablet I) |
| 3 | Assembly of the Gods | Invocation of Anu, Enlil, Ea; calling Marduk to rise |
| 4 | Conflict with Chaos | Ritual dramatization of Tiamat’s rebellion (Tablets II–III) |
| 5 | Victory of Marduk | Sacred reading of Marduk’s triumph (Tablets IV–V); burning of chaos symbols |
| 6 | Bestowal of Kingship | Enthronement rite of Marduk; priest or ruler receives sceptre |
| 7 | Restoration of Order | Procession with banners; declaration of Marduk’s Fifty Names |
| 8 | Renewal of Time | Reciting the calendar of sacred times; cleansing of clocks and watches |
| 9 | Covenant Renewal | Vow ceremonies; anointing of tablets, books, or sacred implements |
| 10 | Offerings of the People | Presentation of food, oil, incense, and written petitions |
| 11 | Divine Rest | Silence; re-consecration of temple space; no work performed |
| 12 | Proclamation of Sovereignty | Great procession; full recitation of Enuma Elish; sacred feast |
CORE RITUAL ELEMENTS
Texts Read:
Enuma Elish (all 7 tablets, divided across days)
Selected passages from the Fifty Names of Marduk
Hymns to Marduk from the Esagila collection
Incense and Offerings:
Incense: Cedar, myrrh, frankincense, storax
Libations: Date wine, pomegranate juice, clarified spring water
Offerings: Loaves, honey cakes, fine oil, barley, cooked lentils, sacrificial symbols of chaos (to be ritually destroyed or burned)
Sacred Actions:
Processions with torches and banners bearing the Name of Marduk
Ritual cleaning of temple or altar
Public and private recitations of the Fifty Names
Silence observed on Day 11 as a form of divine repose
Final feast or meal of thanksgiving on Day 12
LITURGICAL NOTES FOR MODERN OBSERVANCE
The Akitu Festival should begin on or very near the spring equinox, as determined by your local calendar.
The priest or high servant of Marduk should be clothed in white and gold for the duration of the festival.
All items associated with ritual use should be purified with salt and water on Day 1.
If twelve days are not feasible, the following may be condensed:
Day 1: Purification and Invocation
Day 6: Victory and Kingship (recite Enuma Elish Tablet IV, perform enthronement rite)
Day 12: Sovereignty and Celebration (recite Tablet VII, proclaim Fifty Names, conduct feast)
EXCERPTED FINAL PROCLAMATION (Day 12)
Great Marduk, victorious over the formless deep,
Lord of Lords, Name of Names, Banner of the Eastern Gate—
We stand renewed in Thy order,
We speak Thy Names in power,
And we declare before sun and star:
Thou art Sovereign, now and forever. So it is sealed.
Date of the Akitu Festival for the Next Few Years
| Year | 1st of Nisan (Babylonian Calendar) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | March 23, 2023 |
| 2024 | April 9, 2024 |
| 2025 | March 30, 2025 |
| 2026 | March 19, 2026 |
| 2027 | April 8, 2027 |
| 2028 | March 28, 2028 |