The annual Bamboo Splitting Festival is held on February 10th. It is said to have originated in 677, during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. The festival was based on the wish for the prosperity of the nation and a reminder not to forget times of unrest during peaceful reigns, modeled after the divine battle (たたかい) between Yamasaidike no Hohodemi Mikoto and his brother Umisaiike no Suserimikoto. It is an event rooted in the spirit of martial remembrance. Within the shrine precincts, youths dressed in white garments dynamically smash green bamboo to drive away evil, a spectacular scene reminiscent of divine courage. There's also the dramatic sight of a large rope, symbolizing a giant serpent, being drawn out from the worship hall.