Omizutori - Japanese Fire Festival in Nara お水取り (Shuni-e)

Omizutori is a Japanese fire/water festival in Nara that dates back to the mid 8th Century when Nara was the capital of Japan. Omizutori as its name suggests is actually about water but the fire part of the ritual is the most popular part. Large torches are carried along the deck of Nigatsu-do Temple and the sparks from them are believed to bring good luck to the people they fall upon. I went here a few years ago unfortunately with a camera that didn't have a great focus. Oh, well maybe next year!