The obon season has arrived and the Kohala Jodo Mission in Kapaau will be celebrating this festival of lanterns (the definition of obon) July 9 beginning with a service at 5:30 p.m.
The obon season has arrived and the Kohala Jodo Mission in Kapaau will be celebrating this festival of lanterns (the definition of obon) July 9 beginning with a service at 5:30 p.m.
The mission will be offering lantern banners to people who wish to honor deceased family and friends by writing messages of remembrance, gratitude and prayer on them. The banners will be honorably blessed and handled in a spiritually respectful way under the guidance of the Rev. Wajira Wansa.
Volunteers have worked tirelessly in making these banners, decorated with silhouettes of Japanese lanterns signifying continued spiritual enlightenment and symbolically lighting the way home for deceased loved ones. A number of banners will be offered free on a first-come, first-served basis, and more elaborate banners can be purchased.
The Kohala National Guard Alumni will be present for a special tribute to honor deceased military personnel.
Food and a craft booth sponsored by the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Kohala taiko group will be selling items such as happi coats and fabric bags also starting at 5:30 p.m. Bon dancing will be from 7-9:30 p.m.
Although obon is a Buddhist celebration, the mission embraces all people who wish to honor their deceased loved ones by participating in this lantern ceremony. The entire community is invited to join the festivities.
For more information, contact Joy Ohta at 310-347-5379 or email joyswellnessvision@gmail.com.