-=Takoyaki-King=-

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End of summer harvest festival

This festival is held in October in Kagawa, to celebrate the local deities and fortune for a good harvest and following harvests. Kagawa being mostly coastal population fishing is also celebrated, the image below locals are towing a pimped out shrine boat.

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Pulling the boat shrine around tight streets and tight corners looked like a lot of work but the locals were enjoying it. Like many festivals getting very drunk during the proceedings also occurs during this one.

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During this event every local seems to take part and contribute, kids put on a dance show with small weapons and people dressed in traditional clothing are everywhere. The image below are of shrine maidens in waiting.

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One of the main events is the rocking and transporting of a big portable shrine, some of these weigh up to two tons and take quite a few people to carry. Inside there are a couple of people hitting drums and leading the singing. The drums keep them in beat and rest follow the instructions of the guy on top.

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They rock the shrine back and forth as they move to the main staging area. The rocking and singing signifies well being and wishes, happiness to the people and a bounty full harvest. The shrine is said to represent and hold the spirit of the local deity and this is a way to show respect and have fun with the deity.

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These being quite tall, looked like they were going to hit power lines and such at any point, but the leader on top instructed them very well and had a stick to push them away. More to come.....

Thanks for viewing, my posts are about the journey, the process and showing my experiences. Where there are a lack of words I like my work to speak for its self. Don't hesitate to ask questions. All the photos are mine and can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/takoyaki_king/ Follow me if you interested in photography and travel.