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Grass Burning Festival in Japan

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Travel Articles >> Outdoors Travel Articles >> Events Travel Articles >> Locations >> Asia >> Japan

The ritual of burning grass on the Wakakusa Mountain, Nara, when all 342 meters of the mountain are burning, is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular events in Japan. The celebration takes place on the second Sunday of January each year.

The event begins at 17:30 with the ritual of purification and prayers so that everything should be fine and without injuries. After that fireworks are launched. At 18:00 monks dressed as warriors set fire to the dead last year grass at the foot of the mountain. This dangerous mission is performed by means of torches burnt with the holy fire from the Kasuga Temple.

The fire quickly spreads on the dry grass, and by 18:30 the whole hill already flames, illuminating the dull winter sky. The aim of grass burning is to get rid of vermin and liberate passes for the fresh spring grass.

The best view may be admired at the foot of the mountain in Nara Park, although, the flame is seen from every place in Nara. However, be ready to stay in the crowd, since the number of guests who come to the festival makes up approximately 100.000 people.

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Article Submitted On: January 14, 2008