On the night of August 26, 2023, a ceremony to offer candles to about 8,000 unmarried Buddhas began at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. It was the first time in four years since the spread of the new coronavirus, and worshipers quietly put their hands together in the precincts illuminated by flickering fire.
According to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, the area was once known as a place for funerals, and many stone Buddhas have passed away for several hundred years. It is said that in the 19th century, during the Meiji period, stone Buddhas were collected with the cooperation of local residents, and memorial services began. We have been going on August 23rd and 24th to coincide with Jizobon, but from this year we will hold it on the last Saturday and Sunday of August so that many people can visit.
