Daimonji gozan no okuribi

This is a kind of religious ceremony which light huge bonfire on mountains. “Daimonji gozan no okuribi” is named from religious, historical background.
This is also one of the four biggest events in Kyoto. Fire burn in the dark sky, it is iconic scene of the summer in Kyoto.

“Daimonji” ……means “large” will be lit on “Mt. Daimonji” on 20:00
“Myo/ Ho”……means “wondrous dharma” will be lit on “Mt. Nishi and Mt. Higashi” on 20:10.
“Funagata”……shape of a boat, will be lit on “Mt. Funayama”
“Hidari-Daimonji”……means “large” will be lit on “Mt. Hidari-daimonji”
“Torii”……shape of a shrine gate, will be lit on “Mr. Mandara-san”

Above 5 mountains are burnt, they lead Oshorai-san, our ancestors, go back to the spiritual world without loosing the way. This is solemnity but also very thoughtful ceremony.
Please have a look the fires of people in Kyoto’s thought for ancestors.