Sanja Festival, Tokyo is one of the biggest festivals in Japan that draws a large number of ardent worshipers to the city. It is held once in a year, during the end of the third week in the month of May. The main attraction of the Sanja festival is the Asakusa shrine at the famous Sensoji Temple.
According to a myth, the statue of goddess Kannon was pulled out from a river by two fishermen and one elder member of a village in the 7th century. This statue was enshrined at the Sensoji temple which later became a popular center for the Kannon worshipers. The festival is celebrated in the honor of these three men.
Between 1603 and 1868 was the Edo period, during which the festival Sanja became immensely popular. The loud and grand celebrations continue for three consecutive days. Huge processions almost comprising 2 million people move along the streets of
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Asakusa On the opening day of the Sanja festival around 500 people are found touring the area near the shrine. Around 100 people parade on the second day, while on the final day three large 'mikoshi' are seen on the streets. The procession shouts “So iya! So iya!” while treading along the road.
The 'mikoshi' or portable shrines, containing a deity called Kaami are carried by the people taking part in the procession. The people carrying mikoshi are found parading near the Asakusa shrine. The ancient dance known as 'binzasara no mai' is an interesting feature of the Sanja festival. The local people including the kids, dress in bandanas and coats while participating in the festival. The celebration continues throughout the day.
People during the Sanja Festival are engaged in drinking, feasting along with music and dance. Infants and small children come along with their parents to watch this great event. It is a wonderful spectacle to be watched and enjoyed.
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