The Aiki Shrine Festival usually starts with a ""shubatsu""　(a Shinto ritual), ""taisai-shukuji""　(ritual felicitations) and ""tamagushi-hoten"" （offering of sacred sprigs） by the Ueshiba family and representatives from the aikido world and local community. The attendees then take part in a ritual prayer and memorial service offered by the Ueshiba family and other dignitaries. A special Shinto prayer called the ""Amatsu Norito"" is recited before the current Dōshu makes a speech and a ritual demonstration of Aikido called a ""hōnō embu"" (奉納演武) within the haiden of the shrine. The festival usually closes with ""naorai"" (a celebratory meal) in the dojo and surrounding gardens, often with the azaleas in bloom.