Watsonville Buddhist Temple Holds 'Flower Festival'

Watsonville Buddhist Temple will be celebrating the birth of Buddha with a Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) on Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A special Hanamatsuri Service is held to commemorate the birth of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini Garden.  

During the service, a flower shrine known as Hanamido is set up in front of the main shrine as a symbol of Lumbini Garden.  

The Sangha and members of the public offer flowers and pour sweet tea over the image of the infant Buddha.

Hanamatsuri Service will begin at 10 a.m.

Following the service there will be food sales of sushi, chirashi, teriyaki chicken, baked goods and cabbage salad.

There will also be a farmers market, temple cookbook and raffles.  

Exhibits will be ikebana, bonsai, locally grown flowers, kimekomi dolls, temple history and boy scout projects.

There will also be demonstrations by the Watsonville Taiko, Salinas Kendo, Japanese classical dance and entertainment by a Ukelele group who will play with the Hula Halau "Na Wai Ola" studio. 

The public is cordially invited to this wonderful festival to enjoy the foods, exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment.  

Watsonville Buddhist Temple is located on 423 Bridge Street.  For more information please contact theBuddhist Temple at 724-7860. 

--Watsonville Buddhist Temple