Gion festival in Kyoto started with epidemic plague

Kyoto around 10th century was hit by epidemic for many times. one of the major festival in Japan and definitely the largest in Kyoto was dedicated to remove the maladies. it has been a prayer for a thousand years in Hindu style.

People at that time considered a god protecting Jetavana วัดเชตวัน early buddhism center in India can protect Kyoto as well.

Thus started Gion festival. many juggernauts are moving through the streets of Kyoto in July.



祇園祭　祭神 瞿摩掲唎婆耶提婆囉惹 goma grivaya deva raja / gavagriva