Omiya Gomori Festival

About this event

Held annually on September 13 at Aburahi Shrine, this autumn festival is a traditional event where parishioner-devotees worship the deity of oil fire and express gratitude for its blessings. On September 11, two days before the festival, sacred fire is lit at the summit of Mount Aburahi, the sacred mountain. The next day, this sacred fire is brought back to the shrine grounds to serve as the starter flame for Omiya Gomori on September 13. On the day of the festival, fire is lit on approximately 1,000 plates, and all parishioners work together to protect and keep the flames burning until midnight (24:00). Stalls are set up in front of the two-story gate (Romon), wrapping the shrine grounds in festival liveliness. The names of all parishioners are inscribed on the votive lamps, and keeping the fire burning is considered a parishioner's sacred duty. It is said that in ancient times, mosquito nets were hung in the corridors where parishioners confined themselves overnight to offer prayers; today, while carrying on this tradition, prayers to the ancestral deity of oil continue until late at night. Festive shrine entertainment events organized by young parishioners are also held within the grounds, further heightening the festive atmosphere.

Venue

Aburahi Shrine

1042 Aburahi, Koka-cho, Koka, Shiga 520-3413