Tanabata Festival (also known as the Star Festival) revolves around a Japanese tradition in which people write their wishes and aspirations on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku, then proceed to hang them on the branches of a bamboo tree. It is one of the most celebrated occasions in Japan, falling on the 7th of July. And it coincides with World Chocolate Day!
Photo credits: Gaijnpot travel
Where it all started – Tanabata Festival
Dating back over 2,000 years, the love story of Orihime and Hikoboshi is what sparked the Tanabata Festival. Orihime was the daughter of the Sky King, and Hikoboshi was a cow herder. They lived happily by the heavenly river in the Milky Way. The two met and fell deeply in love. However, as a result, they started to neglect their personal duties in order to be together. This infuriated the Sky king, hence in a fit of anger he separated the lovers and put them across the Milky Way where they cannot be together.
Seeing how the couple were so deeply in love, the Sky King eventually relented, allowing them to reunite annually on the seventh day of the seventh month (fun fact: It is said that the couple can only meet in good weather, so the Japanese tend to pray for no rain on Tanabata!)
Celebrate Tanabata Festival with food!
What better way to celebrate a special occasion than with food? Some of the most iconic celebration foods include:
1. Takoyaki and Yakisoba – Gindaco
Takoyaki is a festive food enjoyed by many during special occasions and parades, and the Tanabata Festival is not an exception! Head down to Gindaco’s outlets to enjoy their yummy Takoyaki and Yakisoba, as well as experience the true Tanabata feel.
Orchard Outlet: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-64/65 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
JCube Outlet: 2 Jurong East Central 1, #B1-18 JCube, Singapore 609731
2. Somen – Hana Restaurant
photo credits: HANA restaurant facebook
Chilled Somen noodles with a dipping sauce signify the threads from which Orihime weaved her cloth, and hence is enjoyed on Tanabata every year.
Head down to Hana Restaurant at Forum the Shopping Mall for your Somen fix this July!
Outlet: 583 Orchard Road, Forum The Shopping Mall, #01-17, 238884
3. Yakitori – Batten Yokato
Photo credits: Batten Yokato Facebook
Celebrate Tanabata with freshly grilled Kushiyaki/ Yakitori skewers! Batten Yokato is the best place to enjoy them, with the skewers being grilled right in front of you! Grab a chilled Sapporo beer at the same time too!
Outlet: 84 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088505
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