Shuni-e / Omizutori at Todaiji (Nara prefecture) 二月堂　お水取り　にがつどう　おみずとり　

A Water Festival Celebrating the Second Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar

This festival is part of Shuni-e, or celebration of the second month according to the old Chinese Lunar Calendar. Though the festival is carried out at Buddhist temples across Japan. The water festival celebrating the second month at Todaiji temple in Nara is by far the most famous.

Fire Ceremonies with Huge Pine Torches

On the night of March 12th there is a Fire Ceremony in which torch-bearers climb to the top of Nigatsu-dō with gigantic pine torches. From the balcony they shower sparks onto the people below. Apparently getting singed by one of these sparks will bring you good luck for the rest of the year!

Magic Waters

On March 13th around 4:00 am, water is gathered from Wakasa well in front of Nigatsu-dō and offered to Kannon in a ceremony. It is believed that this water has healing powers. It is also offered to the general public as well.