Japanese Buddhists brave scorching hot coal at fire-walking festival

Buddhist monks braved burning coal during the annual fire-walking festival at Takaosan Yakuoin Temple near Tokyo on Sunday.

Participants at the event, which is also called Hiwatari-sai, chanted, played instruments while wearing traditional clothes and later walked on the scorching coal from a huge fire near the Temple.

The monks walked on a partly burning coal while others were also welcomed to participate after the fire was put out completely.

Before walking on coal, people prayed for the well-being of their family and their own health.