When Gods come visiting Delhi
1 Dec 2012 4:43 AM IST
It is once again that time of the year when the gods return to the land. And the divinity will reach the Capital soon, straight form Japan.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan- India relations, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has come up with Iwami- Kagura, an old folk dance form of the country.
Every year in November, 8,000,000 gods from around Japan gather at the IzumoTaisha Grand Shrine to plan people’s relationships and fortunes for the coming year.
‘During this time visitors can explore its own unique crafts, traditions and delicacies, surrounded by the beauty of the deep blue sea, green mountains, lush rice fields, farmlands, hot springs, temples and shrines,’ said a Japanese spokesperson.
Iwami-Kagura is a folk performance that has been handed down through the generations and is performed throughout the night during all of the various districts festivals in Japan.
The Kagura consists of more than 30 episodes based mainly on material found in the Nihon-Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).
It was originally performed by Shinto priests at the yearly autumn festival as a sign of gratitude to the Shinto gods for their help in producing a bountiful harvest.
People used to dedicate the Kagura-dances and music to praise and entertain their gods. Today it has become the flagship folk art of the local area.
Iwami Kagura brings together the recognition of the folk arts at the root of the cultural structures of every country and that an interaction and dialogue between art forms of various societies must be encouraged to lead to a global civilsation.
‘Kagura is a vibrant folk art form of Japan relating to harvests. This resonates with the Indian society in which agricultural activities provide the fulcrum of all celebrations,’ said Suresh K Goel, Director General, ICCR.
DETAIL
At: FICCI Auditorium, Tansen Marg
When: 3 December
Timings: 6.30 pm onwards
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan- India relations, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has come up with Iwami- Kagura, an old folk dance form of the country.
Every year in November, 8,000,000 gods from around Japan gather at the IzumoTaisha Grand Shrine to plan people’s relationships and fortunes for the coming year.
‘During this time visitors can explore its own unique crafts, traditions and delicacies, surrounded by the beauty of the deep blue sea, green mountains, lush rice fields, farmlands, hot springs, temples and shrines,’ said a Japanese spokesperson.
Iwami-Kagura is a folk performance that has been handed down through the generations and is performed throughout the night during all of the various districts festivals in Japan.
The Kagura consists of more than 30 episodes based mainly on material found in the Nihon-Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).
It was originally performed by Shinto priests at the yearly autumn festival as a sign of gratitude to the Shinto gods for their help in producing a bountiful harvest.
People used to dedicate the Kagura-dances and music to praise and entertain their gods. Today it has become the flagship folk art of the local area.
Iwami Kagura brings together the recognition of the folk arts at the root of the cultural structures of every country and that an interaction and dialogue between art forms of various societies must be encouraged to lead to a global civilsation.
‘Kagura is a vibrant folk art form of Japan relating to harvests. This resonates with the Indian society in which agricultural activities provide the fulcrum of all celebrations,’ said Suresh K Goel, Director General, ICCR.
DETAIL
At: FICCI Auditorium, Tansen Marg
When: 3 December
Timings: 6.30 pm onwards
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