KYOTO, Jul 01 (News On Japan) –
The Gion Festival, one in all Japan’s three main festivals, formally started in Kyoto on July 1st with the ceremonial ritual referred to as the Osendono Gi at Yasaka Shrine.
Around 10 a.m., three individuals arrived on the shrine: a younger boy known as the chigo, who will journey atop the lead float Naginatahoko in the course of the Yamahoko Junko parade, and two attendants referred to as kamuro. Dressed in conventional costume, they reported their roles earlier than the deity and prayed for the competition’s protected completion over the approaching month.
The Osendono Gi entails strolling clockwise round the primary corridor 3 times, which is believed to symbolize a symbolic thousand prayers. The chigo, face painted white and carrying vibrant ceremonial robes, made the rounds together with his attendants.
With this ritual marking the start of festivities, the streets of Kyoto will now tackle the total spirit of the Gion Festival. The grand Yamahoko Junko processions are scheduled for July seventeenth for the primary parade and July twenty fourth for the second.
Source: YOMIURI