In the freezing cold temperature of 5 degree celsius in Urasa where more than 500cm depth of snow just started melting, a bunch of half naked men wearing straw slippers scrambled around the street right after the sunset chanting ‘saya sei’, how bizzare an event can ever be.
The locals, tourists and the students from the nearby schools and universities participated in the event wearing a thin white cloth in their lower body which is called ‘fundoshi’, they start walking from the streets with rhythmic chants, some carrying giant candles gaining everyone’s attention and walk towards the Bishamondo temple. Before entering the temple they line up to challenge themselves to jump into a pool of freezing cold water to make a prayer/wish. Right after the jump they run towards the inside of the temple at lighting speed where the chants and hustling continues. ‘Mochi’ rice cakes are thrown in the air by the guardians of the temple and the men compete to catch one. For me it seemed like if one can catch one their wishes get fulfilled which is similar to the thing done during Punakha Domchoe. Some men even chant and gain attention from the top of the roof where they throw lanterns in the air. Although it looked bizzare the participants pay to howl and act like a hooligan.
This festival is believed to have started some 1200 years back and is an annual festival in the area. It is again believed that it is done for the good harvest, individual’s wish fulfillment and fertility hence there are only male participants. Well if you are wondering how these men are able to endure the cold, and if you guessed it alcohol then yes it is the effect of sake. The participants are strongly encouraged to drink a lot of sake before the event to not only to keep their body warm but also to get the courage and energy to push around and shout. I am guessing the participants, especially the students from the university, must have relieved all their academic stresses by pushing and shouting around.
Apart from the main event the streets are lined up with delicious food stalls for all the visitors and for the first time in 6 months I have seen this many people at Urasa.
It is said they one must witness it personally to believe it and I definitely adhere to it.
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