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3/01/2009 - 3/14/2009Omizutori (Water-Drawing Festival)
Nara,
Japan
Performed at the Todai-ji Temple in Nara City, this ancient religious festival involves 11 priests circling Nigatsu-do Hall with huge burning poles made from pine wood. The night-time ceremony is an incredible spectacle and any onlooker who gets showered in embers is thought to be blessed with good luck for the coming year. The event takes place over 14 days during which the priests pray for a good harvest and world peace. The Omizutori (drawing of the sacred water) takes place on the morning of the 13th day and is the highlight of the event. The water is said to have special curative powers and is offered to the Buddhist deities as a gift. The ceremony is an ancient practice that is thought to date back to AD752 and is also seen as marking the end of winter and the start of the warmer spring weather.
Themes:
Spectacle
, Culture
, Religion
, History
Hours: Various.
Cost: Free.
Where: Todaiji Temple
Central Nara
Nara, Japan
Getting there:
Bus: From JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station there are regular services to Daibutsuden Kasugataisha Mae from where it is a short walk to the temple.
Contact Information:
Nara Park Management Office
City Centre
Nara
Japan
Telephone: +81 (0)742 220 375.
Website: www.pref.nara.jp
