About this event
Held at the Okunoin Shogakuin of Shuzenji in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the "Hoshi Matsuri" (Star Festival) is a traditional esoteric Buddhist ritual to ward off the past year's misfortunes and pray for happiness in the coming year. Held in alignment with the winter solstice, Buddhist monks kindle a goma fire to offer prayers. Pre-requested wishes are prayed for in the flames of the goma fire, and wooden prayer sticks (gomagi) inscribed by worshippers are also burned. In addition, blessings are performed over items like garments entrusted to the temple, and worshippers can place gomagi into the flames themselves after the service. Anyone is free to enter the Gomado hall. Many people participate every year to pray for family safety and sound health, making this an event rooted in the local community as a winter tradition.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Shuzenji Okunoin Shogakuin
2940 Shuzenji, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2416
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