Todaiji Temple lit up with torches in annual rite

Todaiji Temple lit up with torches in annual rite

NARA, Japan - Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches as part of the annual ''omizutori'' (water drawing) rite on March 12. The rite symbolizes the arrival of spring. Shuni-e, or the ceremony of the second month, as omizutori is formally known, has been performed without interruption since 752 A.D., the year the Great Buddha at Todaiji was cast. (Kyodo)

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