Gozan no Okuribi 2024

The Gozan no Okuribi (五山送り火) is a traditional religious event held annually on the last day of Obon, August 16th, in Kyoto. This event takes place within the city and involves the illumination of characters, such as “大” (Dai) and “妙法” (Myoho), as well as torii gates and boat shapes, on five mountains surrounding the Kyoto Basin. It symbolizes the sending off of ancestral spirits welcomed during the Obon season.

The most well-known of these illuminations is the “Daimonji” on Mount Higashiyama’s Nyoigadake. With an elevation of 474 meters, this mountain is the largest and can be seen from a considerable distance. The character “大” (Dai) is associated with various interpretations, one of which attributes its meaning to the way the revered monk Kobo Daishi arranged a fire altar in the shape of the character “大.” There are several theories about the origin and significance of the characters and shapes illuminated during this event.

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Date of Event

August 16, 2024

Place: Gozan Bonfire

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