|
The Astuta festival is the biggest festival of the Astuta Jingu Shrine which is known for its festivities since more than seventy festivals associated with this shrine are held every year. Inside the main sanctuary of the shrine solemn ceremonies are held with devotion and respect while the outside bears a different feel and look altogether. Various ceremonies like kencha-sai (tea offering ceremony) and Kenka Sai (flower offering ceremony) form an integral part of the festival and are celebrated with much pomp and fervor. The outside is abuzz with activities with sound and color as children are seen carrying portable shrines or mikoshi. This is complimented by sounds of drum beating and melodies of bamboo flutes that have a scary effect. However the cheering of crowd and a host of performances by a host of people including acrobats, musicians, magicians, dancers and vendors negate this effect. It is a treat to watch and tourists visiting Nagoya during this time of the year should not miss Atsuta Festival. If the performances in the festival are not good enough to impress you then you can have a look at the magnificent fireworks that infuse light into the night sky of Nagoya. Other than the fireworks the things that you can look forward is sumo matches and Japanese style archery known as kyodo. The Nagoya Atsuta Festival is held every year in the first week of June and thousands of people take part in it and a greater number is present there to cheer the participants and enjoy the festivities. The place puts on a different character altogether and represents a multitude of people who are sailing in the winds of festivities. The Astuta festival is a must see for people who are visiting the city of Nagoya and one should time their trip accordingly.
|
