Buddhist acolytes showered crowds of people with burning embers from 6-meter torches on the opening day of the annual Shunie festival at Todaiji temple here on March 1.
The Otaimatsu torch-burning performance, which is thought to bestow protection on the onlookers, is the most famous and spectacular part of the festival, colloquially known as Omizutori, held annually from March 1-14.
The huge torches were carried up to the balcony of the Nigatsudo hall, a national treasure, and held over the excited crowd.
The ritual is held each night of the festival, which is seen as a harbinger of the arrival of spring.
Many events are held during the Shunie festival, which started in 752, the same year as the construction of the Great Buddha at the temple was completed.
During the festival, monks conduct services to repent the sins of the world and pray for world peace six times daily before the statue of the Kannon goddess of mercy enshrined at the Nigatsudo hall.
Acolytes hold giant torches over the crowd during the Shunie festival at Todaiji temple in Nara on March 1.
Source: http://ajw.asahi.com/
