Hanamatsuri commemorates the Birth of the historical Buddha and will be observed at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple on April 11th and April 12th. This unique, colorful and meaningful Festival celebrates with Flowers, Food, Cultural Exhibits and Demonstrations.

The Hanamido (Flower Pavilion) shelters a Statue of the baby Buddha. Visitors can pour sweet tea over the statue, symbolizing the gentle rain, perfumed by flower petals, that is said to have fallen in Lumbini Garden when Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha was born. There will be a variety of food for sale including limited Bento boxes as well as Hapa Bros. Food Truck offering Asian Fusion Cuisine.

Vendors will include Nikkei Traditions, Tangled Messes, and Hug a Sumo. Cultural Exhibits will include Ikebana, Bonsai, Mataro Kimekomi Doll Making, Boy Scouts, and Kokoro No Gakko as well as performances by Watsonville Taiko and demonstrations on stage in the Temple’s gym.

A Tour of the Temple’s Hondo (Primary Hall) that houses the beautiful Altar of the Temple is open to the Public on Saturday, April 11th at 11:30 am. The public is invited to attend the Hanamatsuri Festival free of charge on Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm and the Sunday Service on April 12th at 10:00am with Guest Speaker Reverend Brian Nagata.

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DATES & TIMES:
• Saturday, April 11th from 11:00am until 2:00pm
• Sunday Service on April 12th at 10:00am
LOCATION: Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge Street, Watsonville
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please visit https://www.wbtemple.org/event-details-registration/hanamatsuri-festival-celebrating-the-buddhas-birthday for additional information.

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For more information, please call the Temple Office at (831) 724-7860 or visit buddhist@wbtemple.org.