LAHAINA - The Lahaina Hongwanji Mission will be holding its Obon Festival tonight and Saturday.
Obon is a time for families and friends to come together to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed on. In that light, temple members will be dedicating its new columbarium with a ceremonial mochi pounding tonight, beginning at 5:30. The mochitsuki will be followed by the dedication service for the nokotsudo.
Dancing will begin at 7:30 p.m. The theme of the evening will be "O Kage Sama De," which in the context of the celebration means to show respect to the deceased and living elders in appreciation for their commitment and work in guiding the younger generation, a news release about the event said.
On Saturday, there will be a Hatsubon service, beginning at 6 p.m. The Rev. Ai Hironaka will preside over the Hatsubon, a memorial service for family members and friends of church members who have died since the last obon.
Food and craft sales will begin at 5:30 p.m. both days. Items for sale include teriyaki and chicken katsu mini-bento, andagi, cold somen, sushi and shave ice.
The Buddhist Women's Association will display and sell crafts, including quilts made during the year,.
There will be games for the children.
For more information, contact Lahaina Hongwanji Mission's President Richard "Noosh" Nishihara at 870-6478.
The temple is located at 551 Wainee St.
