KYOTO –
Kyoto’s Gion Festival, considered one of Japan’s three main festivals, started on July 1 with the Osendo ritual at Yasaka Shrine, the place the kid messenger and his attendants prayed for the secure completion of their main position within the monthlong occasion.
At round 10 a.m., the chigo, who will journey on the lead Naginata Hoko float throughout the Saki Matsuri Yamahoko procession, visited Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto with three kamuro attendants who function his aides. They reported their position earlier than the deity and prayed for the protection of the competition, which runs all through July.
The Osendo ritual is claimed to depend as 1,000 visits to the shrine when contributors stroll thrice clockwise round the primary corridor. The chigo, carrying white make-up and a brightly coloured ceremonial costume, proceeded along with the kamuro.
With the Osendo ritual marking the beginning of the festivities, Kyoto shall be full of the environment of the Gion Festival for the subsequent month. The spotlight, the Yamahoko procession, shall be held on July 17 for the Saki Matsuri and on July 24 for the Ato Matsuri.
Source: YOMIURI