Adding a New Chapter to Nara's History and Tradition "Nara Odateyama Festival" Held

Nara Prefecture held the inaugural "Ootateyama Festival" (organized by the festival executive committee) at the Heijō Palace ruins in Nara City from January 29 to February 2, praying for good health and the prevention of illness. The festival is a core event of the prefecture's ongoing winter tourism campaign, which brings together traditional winter events and activities in Nara.

Although Japan's capital was moved to Heian-kyo at the end of the 8th century, shifting political functions to Kyoto, spiritual elements, including shrines and temples, remained in Nara. Consequently, many rituals, such as Shinto ceremonies and Buddhist services, are still preserved in Nara today. The Ootateyama Festival aims to add a new chapter to this tradition, and the prefecture hopes it will become a long-lasting event.

"Tateyama" refers to effigies or dolls. A custom remains in the prefecture where Tateyama are made to ward off misfortune. Festivals using Tateyama are still held in various places, such as Koryo Town.

For this event, a 7-meter-tall statue was created, themed on the Four Heavenly Kings (Zōjōten, Kōmokuten, Jikokuten, and Tamonten), and named "Great Tateyama."

On the stage in front of the Daikokuden Hall, festivals and dances from various parts of the prefecture were performed daily. Nearby, the "Atta-ka-mon Grand Prix" was held, where visitors could enjoy local hot pot dishes. As night fell and darkness descended, the main event commenced. Illuminated from within, the vividly colored Four Heavenly Kings paraded amidst the powerful sound of taiko drums. At the finale, when all four Heavenly Kings gathered together, they received thunderous applause from the audience. During the event period, approximately 51,000

visitors.

Official Website: http://ootateyama.jp/