People in the Asakusa district of Tokyo celebrated the Sanja festival at the Senso-ji Temple yesterday. The festival-goers carried portable shrines called mikoshi, where Shinto deities are placed. About 100 such shrines were paraded through the streets. This is said to bring good fortune to the businesses and community.

The annual festival, one of Tokyo's most popular, attracts close to two million people over the three-day event.

It is held as a tribute to the three founders of Senso-ji Temple, who are enshrined in the Asakusa Shrine next door to the temple.

Food stalls, festival games and music add to the lively atmosphere of the event.