Lucky Star Matsuri

Its nearing the end of Summer and there is a load of matsuri (festivals) taking place here n there.
This is a picture of a Shinyo [神輿] - it typically weights over 100kg and is carried by loads of folk while bouncing it up n down during the matsuri. The Japanese Wikipedia explains it to be a transport for the gods while other entries explain it to be a vessel for ghosts.

Yunakiti has more pics and a Niconico video of this Lucky Star Shinyo being carried by 120 LS fans.

You be no surprised that this matsuri took place at Washinomiya Shrine. This years festival was attended by 50,000 people - an increase of 20,000 from last year according to Sankei.

There will be a Matsuri around my area this weekend - will take pics.