Central Maui Hanamatsuri Festival on Sunday, April 05 @ 9am
The Central Maui Hanamatsuri Festival will be held on Sunday, April 5, at Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple beginning at 9 a.m. Temple members, families, and friends are warmly invited to join this joyful celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birthday. The program begins with a service at 9 a.m., followed by games and entertainment, and concludes with lunch and fellowship. There is no cost to attend.
Hanamatsuri commemorates the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and remains one of the most cherished observances in the Buddhist tradition. This year’s festival is sponsored by Kahului Hongwanji, Kahului Jodo Mission, Makawao Hongwanji, Wailuku Hongwanji, and Wailuku Jodo Mission, with participation from Lahaina Hongwanji and Lahaina Jodo Mission.
Wailuku Hongwanji Hanamatsuri Festival & Infant Presentation Ceremony on Sunday, April 12 @ 8am
Wailuku Hongwanji will celebrate its annual Hanamatsuri (Buddha Day Service and Infant Presentation Ceremony, also known as Hatsumairi or Shosan Shiki) on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 8am. Resident Minister Rev. Shinkai Murakami warmly invites temple members and friends to join in commemorating Buddha Day, which honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later attained Enlightenment as Shakyamuni Buddha.
Families are also encouraged to participate in the Infant Presentation Ceremony, a cherished tradition in which a child is presented to Amida Buddha and the Sangha for the first time. During the ceremony, families express their aspiration to raise their child with Buddhist values, the infant receives his or her first onenju (nenju beads), and loved ones acknowledge the gift of the Dharma as one of the most meaningful offerings they can share. Those wishing to participate are kindly asked to notify Rev. Murakami in advance so that preparations may be arranged.