Shiraniwa Shrine Dondo Yaki (Bonfire Festival)

About this event

Dondo Yaki, held at Shiraniwa Shrine located at the Goshoyama Tumulus—a designated national historic site in Kanda Town, Fukuoka Prefecture—is a traditional Shinto ritual rooted in the local community. In this event, New Year shimenawa decorations and old talismans are thrown into a blazing fire to pray for good health, happiness throughout the year, and good fortune in the new year. It also carries the meaning of warding off misfortune. Participants entrust their wishes to this fire as a ritual to send off the Toshigami (deity of the new year) welcomed into their homes and greet the new year with a refreshed spirit. A red box for old talismans installed on the grounds allows people to offer amulets and lucky charms while following the rules. However, oranges attached to shimenawa decorations, boxes for commercially sold kagami mochi, actual kagami mochi, wallets, dolls, bottles containing alcohol, glassware, and metal products cannot be put into the fire. Through this sacred flame, local residents jointly pray for a safe year and deepen their bonds.

Venue

Shiraniwa Shrine

875 Yobaru, Kanda-machi, Miyako-gun, Fukuoka 800-0323