Orange County Buddhist Church in Anaheim recently held its annual Hanamatsuri, featuring performances, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, food, games, handcrafted items, and produce and plant sales.
Hanamatsuri commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who became Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, and is observed on April 8. Although this service is popularly called Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival), the more proper name is Kanbutsu-e (bathe-Buddha gathering) in reference to the ritual of pouring sweet tea over a statue of the baby Buddha.
A Hanamido (flower pavilion) sheltering a baby Buddha statue was in the Hondo, where docent-led tours were given and the Buddhist Education Center sold books and other items in the lobby.
Performances on the Multi-Purpose Building stage:
Saturday — Japanese dance by Fujima Seiyumi Kai, drumming by OCBC Seishun Taiko and Daion Taiko, martial arts by OCB Kendo and Demura Ha Shito Ryu Karate Do Genbu Kai
Sunday — Martial arts by OCBC Judo, OC Aikikai and Demura Ha Shito Ryu Karate Do Genbu Kai, Japanese singing by Sayuri Nishi, drumming by Daion Taiko
Displays of artwork by OCBC Dharma School students and the “Buddhism in the Camps” exhibit were displayed in the Kodo.
Cultural exhibits and demonstrations: Origami, Japanese artifacts, bonsai, swords, ikebana, kimekomi dolls, calligraphy, and tea ceremony.
Food included sushi, chicken teriyaki, somen, teri burgers, Spam musubi, baked goods, and OCBC’s famous Dango Dogs.