On the day of Doyoo-no-Ushi, a full 18 days before the traditional beginning of autumn in August, Shimogmo shrine hosts Mitarashi festival in kyoto, a ritual foot bathing. Thousands of people flock to the pond in front of Mitarashi shrine, dedicated to the god protecting against plague and misfortune. Devotees believe that if they wash their feet in this pond on this day, they will be blessed by god.
Participants pay ¥500 to receive a small candle and wade into the water, passing under a small arched bridge and proceeding towards the sub-shrine. Because it comes from an underground spring, the water is clear and cold despite the summer heat. After placing the candle and saying prayers participants receive a cup of the spring water (bottled pre-wading, of course) to drink.
Those interested can then purchase special omamori or foot-shaped ema. It’s said that wading through these waters during the festival guarantees your health for the year, particularly for your legs!
In addition to these prayers, many people also receive mitarashi dango, sticky rice balls covered in sweet sauce, invented on the grounds near the eponymous shrine. The first mitarashi dango shop opened in a stall in the shrine forest, and today, many food vendors line the grounds during this festival.
Source: https://fb.watch/uee-dwqK4Y/
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