|
The third largest and second most important city of Japan, Osaka becomes the venue for one among the three most important summer festivals in late June. The Aizen Matsuri Festival as it is popularly known as takes place from June 30th to July 2nd every year. Shoman-in Aizendo, a subsidiary temple of Shiten Noji Temple in Yuhigaoka is the festival venue for three days. The other two festivals of importance are the Tenjin Festival and the Sumiyoshi Summer Festival. The temple, Shoman-in Aizendo finds mention in one of the best selling novel in 1938, Aizen Katsura written by Matsutaro Kawaguchi which earned him national fame. Features of Aizen Matsuri Festival in Osaka: • The deity worshipped during this festival is of Aizen Myo-o who is also known as the Buddhist Guardian God of love. Young couples visit the temple in large numbers to seek blessings. Also respected as deity of charms, Aizen Myo-o is revered equally by entertainers and actresses alike. • The festival which has its origins in the 1700's consists of pretty girls dressed in a traditional Japanese costume, Yukata. Wearing the attire became a part of the festival as the festival date coincided with the day, Yakuta Biraki that is when people in Osaka began wearing this dress customarily. Visitors to the festival can also try out the Yukata. • The focus of attraction in this festival is the procession by the Kabuki actors or geisha girls being carried in Kago or palanquins decorated with morning glories and bright colored cloths. • The Tahoda pagoda of the temple is noted as the oldest existing monument in Osaka. The pagoda walls contain hand written sutras by the priests. • The Aizen festival is closely related to the custom of Sun worship. The place Yuhigaoka means a ‘sunset commanding hill' and is situated on the top of a hill facing the Osaka bay. Since the birthplace of Lord Buddha is in the west of Japan, worshipping the Sun is an integral part of the Japanese custom (nisso). The festival venue being such a sacred and pious one, the festival has attained heights of popularity. Season of Aizen Matsuri Festival in Osaka: The Aizen Festival in Osaka takes place in the summer months of June. The festival is of three days duration and ends on July 2 nd . How to Reach Aizen Matsuri Festival in Osaka : • By Air: The main airport in the Osaka region is the Kansai International Airport. A bus and train service links the airport to the centre of the city and the main suburbs. • By Rail: Apart from the Osaka Municipal Subway system, a wide network of JR and private lines interlinks Osaka to the neighboring areas and suburbs in the city. One can reach the festival venue by availing a train from JR Tennoji Station or the Shiten Nojimae-Yuhigaoka subway station. So on your visit to Osaka in the summer month of June do not forget to be a part of this exotic festival celebrating love.
|
