Da Scoops

Mark your calendars and make plans to be at Magic Island on Memorial Day for the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony or “toro nagashi.” I have never been to this event, but am hoping to be able to make it this year to take some photos of the beautiful lanterns floating on the gentle waves out to sea. This event kicks off the obon season in Hawaii, which typically runs from June through Labor Day when the last bon dance of the season is held at the Okinawan Festival. I hope you’ll be able to join the hundreds of islanders who will gather along the shores of Ala Moana Beach Park to honor the memory of their departed loved ones.

This upcoming Memorial Day, May 28th, the 9th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony will be held along the shores of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park on the island of Oahu. We invite the general public, as well as non-profit organizations, cultural groups, high schools and colleges to participate in this solemn and enriching event. The public may also make consolatory prayer requests from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Magic Island on the same day.

The Lantern floating is a time-honored Buddhist rite originating in Japan and conducted in order to pay respects to our ancestors and comfort the spirits of the deceased. During this Toro-Nagashi, or “lantern offerings on the water,” candle-lit lanterns are individually set afloat on the ocean and are said to ferry spirits “from the shore of delusion to the shore of salvation.”

These lanterns carry our heartfelt prayers for victims of wars, water-related accidents, natural disasters, famine and disease, as well as for our loved ones and ancestors. It is through this that the sincere prayers of everyone are united… prayers for a future in which harmony exists among all people regardless of differences between race, religion and culture.

Monday, May 28th, 2007 ~ Memorial Day
Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Website: lanternfloatinghawaii.com

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Schedule:
Before event from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
After event from 8:00 pm (depending on traffic)

Location:
Hawaii Convention Center (see map)
Handicap shuttle also available at the “Port Cochere” ground floor entrance.
Parking entrance is on Kalakaua Avenue.