CANDLES AT THE GANGOJI TEMPLE FESTIVAL
- José Carlos Gómez Delgado
- Dec 1, 2016
- 1 min read
Gangoji is the main temple of Naramachi (Ancient City of Nara) and one of the most important of Nara. The Asuka-dera Temple, in the small town of Asuka to the south of Nara, is considered the founding temple of Buddhism in Japan. Around the year 600 the capital moved from Asuka to Nara, and the temple was transferred as well, changing the name to the one of Gangoji.
The main building of this temple houses several valuable sculptures. The tiles of the building, elaborated in the style Gyokibuki, are also considered National Treasure.
Gangoji's festival takes place in August during two days. Jizoe ceremony is celebrated to pray for the ancestors, the prosperity of the families, the good health of the children and the global peace. For this, from 5 to 9 pm, visitors light candles on saucers and lanterns.
The first day there are several performances, some for children, as well as a bon odori (traditional Japanese dance) to which all visitors are invited to participate.
The second day takes place a concert of flutes and koto by the monks of the temple.
The atmosphere around the candles and lanterns becomes intimate and mystical, showing a beautiful image of the surroundings of the main building of the temple.
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