2022 Honokaa Hongwanji Mission Obon Festival Event (Hawai‘i’s Favorite Traditions with the Pounding Drums & Colorful Costumes of Bon Dance)NEW

On Saturday, July 16, one of Hawai‘i’s favorite traditions returns with the pounding drums and colorful costumes of Bon Dance.

Obon is a centuries-old custom that came to Hawai‘i from Japan along with sugar cane plantation workers in the 19th Century. Based on the belief that spirits of the deceased return in the summer, the Memorial Service honors them, while the dancing helps guide them back to the afterlife.

The annual Community Memorial Service (f/k/a “hatsubon”) takes place in the Social Hall at 5:30 p.m., where names of the departed are read aloud, and their ‘ohana and friends are invited to step forward and symbolically offer incense in their memory. **Anyone- "regardless of faith"is encouraged to participate**.

Bon Dance will follow the Memorial Service in the temple parking lot, where strings of lanterns illuminate dancers in their happi coats, performing the traditional dances in a large circle around central taiko drums (once again presented by Taishoji Taiko Drum group of Hilo). Everyone of all ages is welcome to join in.

**Honor Loved Ones at the Community Memorial Service**

Loved ones who were lost in the past three years will be honored before a community-wide audience. During the service, when names are called, family and friends can come forward to offer incense in their honor and memory.

The temple traditionally memorializes members who have died, but temple members and the public in general are invited to submit names of other loved ones. Please send an email to “[email protected],” with a subject line of “Community Memorial Service.” Send it soon so that names can be included in the printed program. However, late submissions will be accepted to be read at the event.