As part of the traditional event of Todaiji Temple, which announces the arrival of spring in the ancient capital of Nara, a large torch is shaken to scatter sparks, "Otaimatsu", started on the night of the 1st.
The traditional event "Shuni-e" at Todaiji Nigatsu-do, known as "Omizutori", is an event that has been held since the Nara period, when monks pray for the peace of the country for about a month.
On the night of the 1st, the ``Otaimatsu'', which involves shaking a large torch to scatter sparks, begins, and monks called ``Rengyoshu'' enter the Nigatsu-do Hall while being guided by the light of the large torch. I went.
Then, an assistant to the Rengyoshu, called a "doji," thrusts a burning torch from the railing of Nigatsu-do and runs through it, causing sparks to fly and cheers from the crowd.
A man in his 70s from Kyoto Prefecture said, "It makes my heart warm when I think about what the monks have in mind as they train."
A woman in her 70s from Tokyo said, "The sparks flew and it was impressive. I was watching while thinking about world peace and the end of corona."
The "Omizutori" torch will be held until the 14th of this month, of which the 11th and 12th will be closed to the public due to measures against the new coronavirus, and other than that, the number of people entering the area will be restricted. .