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| Grass-burning Rite on Mt Wakakusa | |
Originating in the 18th century, the burning of Mount Wakakusa is one of Japan’s most spectacular winter festivals. The annual festival is held on the fourth Saturday of January, and is believed to have started over a boundary dispute in 1760 between monks of Kofuku-ji Temple and Todai-ji Temple (home to the Great Buddha of Nara).
The dead grass of Mount Wakakusa is burned in this annual festival, which is known as Yamayaki . Yamayaki can be translated as “controlled burn” and is practiced all over Japan to ward off insects, or drive away bears and wild boars.
The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival officially starts with a ceremonial lighting of the torch with sacred fire at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The fire is carried in a parade of Buddhist monks dressed in traditional costumes to a small shrine at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, where a large bonfire is lit. At 6 pm there is a spectacular fireworks display over the mountain, which can be seen throughout the city.
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| Issued Country | Japan |
| Issued Year | 1996 |
| Category | Buddhist Architect Buddhist Symbol Events |
| Type | Postage Stamps |