Kansai's day for Ebisu

Today is Toka Ebisu, a New Year festival held at shrines that worship Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is the deity of prosperity, business success, and good fortune. However, Tokai Ebisu is mostly observed in Kansai as in other areas November 20th or October 20th are the days that people celebrate Ebisu.

In Kansai, many people visit shrines to pray for business prosperity and receive lucky items like decorated bamboo branches (福笹) and lucky "kumade" rakes. Some shrines celebrate it over three days: 

宵戎 (Yoi‑Ebisu) – the eve, 十日戎 (Tōka‑Ebisu) – the main day, and 

残り福 (Nokori‑fuku) – “leftover good fortune” on the 11th. There are even some shrines even begin on 宵々戎 (Yoi‑yoi‑Ebisu) two days before.

The most famous celebration is at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka, a shrine that attracts over one million visitors every year. The Tōka Ebisu Festival (十日戎) is held every year from January 9–11 at the shrine in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward. It is the shrine’s largest annual event and a respected vibrant festival of the area.