Omizutori, which translates literally to ‘water drawing’ is a festival ceremony held at the Nigatsu Hall of Todai Temple in Nara, which was the capital of Japan during the 8th century. The event is the final rite in a two-week-long Buddhist ritual which has been held for over 1,250 years, making it among the oldest continually observed Buddhist events in Japan. During this part of the ceremony, large torches are lit and carried about the balcony of the hall. Tradition holds that spectators who are showered by the sparks from the torches will be protected throughout the year.