For a moment everything stands still and then, with the signal of echoing sound of the bamboo flutes 230 Kanto poles are risen at the same time. The Festival has begun. In the swirl of cheering shouts, musical accompaniment, spectators' shouts of admiration and encouragement, performers' attention is concentrated to the Shinto offering of cut paper (Gohei) which is placed at the very top of the 15 meters high bamboo pole - the Kanto