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The ritual of grass burning on Wakakusa, in Nara Park, when all the 342 meters of the mountain are flaming, undoubtedly is one of the most entertaining events in Japan. The holiday takes place every year on the second Sunday of January.
At 17:30 the holiday begins with the ritual of purification and the prayers so that everything would pass well and without injuries. After that fireworks begin. At 18:00 the monks dressed like soldiers, set fire to dry grass of last year at the bottom of the hill. They execute this dangerous mission by means of torches, lighted with the sacred fire of the Kasuga Temple.
Fire runs quickly on dry grass and until 18:30 the entire hill will be flaming, lighting up the sleepy winter sky. The aim of grass burning is the disposal of wreckers and clearing the way for fresh spring young growth.
The best view can be enjoyed from the bottom of the mountain in Nara Park although the fire is visible from everywhere in Nara. However, you should be ready to crowd because about 100 000 people come to the festival. |
