The Big Island Buddhist Federation invites all isle bon dancers and spectators to attend the many O-bon season celebrations under way around the Island of Hawaii. The Big Island Buddhist Federation invites all isle bon dancers and spectators to attend
The Big Island Buddhist Federation invites all isle bon dancers and spectators to attend the many O-bon season celebrations under way around the Island of Hawaii.
“The joyous nights of traditional folk dances — and some modern ones — display the happiness of the Buddha’s followers,” said federation President Walter Tachibana. “The general public is welcome to join in with Buddhists at many temples who have already begun the bon season.
“You may dance in kimonos, happi coats or in your own clothing. Several floating lantern parades are also planned. These solemn rituals help to send the visiting family spirits back to their spirit world,” said Tachibana. “Some of these so-called tooro-nagashi are not for the general public to participate in, but you may watch.”
The O-bon season began in early June. Activities continue on the following schedule. If you need more specific details, please check with the individual temples.
On Friday and Saturday, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin will hold two nights of services and dances. On Saturday evening, events also are scheduled at Kohala Jodo Mission, Paauilo Hongwanji Mission and the Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission.
The following weekend, July 20-21, celebrate O-bon Friday and Saturday night at Hilo Meishoin, and on Saturday at the Keei Buddhist Church and Honokaa Hongwanji Mission. On Saturday, July 28, dance at Kona Hongwanji Mission, Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission and Hilo Hooganji Mission (Odaishisan). On Sunday, July 29, at 7 p.m. at Wailoa Harbor, a tooro-nagashi ceremony will be held.
On Saturday, Aug. 4, services and dancing will be at Taishoji Soto Mission, Hawi Jodo Mission, Kurtistown Jodo Mission and Paauilo Kongoji Mission. At 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, tooro-nagashi will be held at Wailoa Harbor.
On Saturday, Aug. 11, services and dancing will be at the Hilo Higashi Hongwanji Mission, Hamakua Jodo Mission and Kona Koyasan Daishiji. On Friday, Aug. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., there will be a short service and dance program at Life Care Center of Hilo.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, services and dancing will be at Hakalau Jodo Mission and the Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, and on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Honohina Hongwanji Mission and the Pahoa Kaikan. The season ends on Sunday, Aug. 26, with the Honokaa Hongwanji-sponsored North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.
