On April 6, 2025, Sarutahiko Shrine in Mizuhara, Kyotanba-cho, Kyoto Prefecture held its spring festival. Five girls dressed as shrine maidens gracefully performed the "Soedai Kagura" dance, waving bells and bamboo grass to the accompaniment of four local boys beating drums.
Sarutahiko Shrine attracts believers who pray for protection from lightning and road safety. The traditional Kagura dance at the festival was dedicated by local elementary and junior high school students at the assembly hall.
First, the girls performed the "Somai" and "Yoninmai" dances in red and white shrine maiden costumes, holding golden bells and silver fans.
Then, in the "Sasamai" dance, they wore bright red costumes. They waved bamboo leaves tied together like a fan towards the kettle and blew away confetti that represented the boiling water inside. It is said that being covered in confetti will ward off bad luck.
The boys played large and small drums and bells in time with the dance, filling the temple grounds with powerful rhythm.
