Omiwa Shrine Sayadousai and Sacred Fire Festival

About this event

The Omiwa Shrine Sayadousai and Goshinkasai (Sacred Fire Festival) is a traditional Shinto ritual held at the beginning of the new year to pray for national tranquility, the safety of the Imperial Household, and the happiness of the people. Locally referred to as 'Otaimatsu', it is the first annual event held in Nara Prefecture, and it is said that the New Year in Yamato begins with the Sayadousai. The festival begins at midnight when Shinto priests kindle sacred fire within the forbidden sanctuary east of the worship hall. The kindled sacred fire is transferred to lanterns in the worship hall, after which a Shinto ritual is performed in the worship hall. When the sacred fire is transferred to three large torches placed before the worship hall—the Saki-nyudo, Nochi-nyudo, and Shinsen torches—young local parishioners shoulder the torches and, accompanied by Shinto priests amidst the sounding of drums, visit and worship at 19 subordinate and affiliated shrines located at the foot of Mount Miwa. The sacred fire is also transferred to the Sacred Fire Receiving Station, where visitors can transfer it to fire ropes or hand warmers to take home. The sacred fire brought home is used for votive altar lamps and to cook the New Year's Day zoni soup, and is believed to grant the blessing of health and peace throughout the year.

Venue

Omiwa Shrine

1422 Miwa, Sakurai, Nara 633-8538