Gangara Fire Festival: Dai-Ichimonji Lighting and Daimonji Dedication Ritual

About this event

Held annually on August 24, the "Gangara Fire Festival" is a traditional fire festival representative of northern Osaka (Hokusetsu), said to have begun in 1644 (the first year of the Shoho era) to pray for household safety and protection from fire disasters. In January 2010 (Heisei 22), it was designated as an Osaka Prefecture Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property. On the day of the festival, the "Dai-Ichi" character and "Dai" character are illuminated on Mt. Satsukiyama, the symbol of Ikeda, reminiscent of Kyoto's Okuribi. Parading through the city while ablaze along the entire 3-kilometer route, the giant torches—measuring approximately 4 meters in length and weighing about 100 kilograms—captivate numerous spectators every year. The Dai-Ichimonji lighting begins at 19:30, and the Daimonji dedication ritual also takes place from 19:30. Children's torches depart around 17:00 and parade through the city.

Venue

Ikeda City

Ikeda, Osaka