The Baptism of the Lord 2026 in Orsha: schedule and bathing locations

Dear Orsha residents and guests of the city! The great Orthodox holiday is approaching — the Baptism of the Lord! 

On January 18 and 19, 2026, traditional mass bathing will be organized in specially equipped places: 

City of Orsha, Dnieper River (near the Orsha Rescue Station on Vladimir Korotkevich Street)

City of Orsha, "Shchetinka" quarry

Village of Lyutyny, Orsha District (spring of Saint Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon) ?

SCHEDULE:

January 18 (Baptism Eve): from 18:00 to 01:00

January 9: from 09:00 to 20:00 (at 12:00, a great blessing of the water of the Dnieper River will take place near the Orsha Rescue Station on Vladimir Korotkevich Street).

In the bathing areas, there will be teams of emergency medical services, rescuers from the OSVOD station, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and police officers to ensure your safety. All participants will also be treated to hot tea to warm up after bathing!

Important: Bathe only in specially designated and equipped places! Take care of yourself and follow safety rules:

Before bathing:

Consult a doctor if you have chronic diseases (heart, kidneys, hypertension, diabetes, etc.), gynecological problems, ARVI, or if you are pregnant. Children without experience in hardening are not recommended to bathe.

Have a hearty meal 2 hours before going out to provide energy for the body.

Prepare clothing: warm, comfortable, and easy to remove. Be sure to take a hat, woolen socks, non-slip shoes, and a rubber mat for changing.

During bathing:

Do not dive in headfirst — this can cause shock due to a sharp temperature drop.

Enter the water directly at the required depth, but do not stay in the hole for more than 1 minute.

Do not consume alcohol before or after bathing — it creates a false sense of warmth and increases the load on the heart.

Children should bathe only under adult supervision.

Observe the rules of conduct on the ice: do not go beyond the barriers, do not approach the edge of the hole, do not bring animals with you.

After bathing:

Quickly rub yourself with a towel, change into dry clothes, and drink a hot non-alcoholic beverage.

In case of mild hypothermia (chills, skin turning blue), do intensive exercises or ask for help with rubbing.

In case of serious symptoms (severe chills, pain in limbs), immediately contact the duty medical team.