Civil or religious festival in Japan, especially a Shintō shrine festival.
It traditionally has two parts: a solemn ritual of worship and a joyous celebration. The participants first purify themselves (see harai ) by periods of abstinence and by bathing. The inner doors of the shrine are then opened, a drum or bells are sounded, and the deity or sacred power ( kami ) is called to descend. The ritual continues with offerings, prayers, and ceremonial music and dancing. The celebration usually includes a feast, dancing, theatrical performances, divination, and athletic contests. A portable shrine housing the kami is often taken out and carried in procession.