Autumn Grand Festival of the Fellowship and Devotees Association

About this event

Held at Omiwa Shrine, the "Autumn Grand Festival of the Fellowship and Devotees Association" is a ritual praying for the prosperity and peace of members of the nationwide Hohon Kosha Fellowship and Devotees Association. Conducted on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of March and September, dedicated banner flags line the approach. "Prayer texts" sent from all across the country are offered before the deity, and the chief priest recites the norito (Shinto liturgy). The shrine maidens also perform the sacred Kagura dance "Urayasu no Mai", while the Shinto priests and attendees together chant the "Oharae no Kotoba", "Kamihai no Kotoba", and "Chinkon no Kotoba", and perform the "Musubi no Suzu-gyo" (bell-ringing rite). Centered on fellowship and devotee members, the festival bustles with a variety of events such as dedicated Japanese wadaiko drum performances, complimentary servings of mochi and barrel sake, sales of Mt. Miwa lucky bags, a bazaar, and games for children. It is a major autumn event where Shinto priests and worshippers come together as one.

Venue

Yamato Province Ichinomiya Omiwa Shrine (Miwa Myojin)

1422 Miwa, Sakurai, Nara 633-8538