Daruma Doll Fair – A Prayerful Start

A temple fair which was first held during the Edo period in Japan has survived modernity! The Daruma Doll Fair which is called the “Jindaiji Temple Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival” is held annually in the Jindaji Temple, Tokyo. The fair which heralds the start of spring was held on the 3rd and 4th of March 2016. During this time crowds flooded into the streets to purchase daruma dolls. Unending lines of stalls sell these unique dolls dressed in red. As the fair is part of a religious celebration, every hour a prayer is recited to evoke blessings and ward off all disasters. Moreover the dolls that are purchased are inscribed in Sanskrit by the monks who are at the premises. The ritual signifies a fresh start for the year. If you are planning to attend next year’s fair and in search of a centrally located serviced apartment Tokyo has to offer,Somerset Shinagawa Tokyo makes an ideal choice.