The Orange County Buddhist church will celebrate “Hanamatsuri," the birthday of Gautama Buddha with special religious services, cultural exhibits, stage programs, food and carnival games.

Special services will be held on Sunday, April 12, an English service starting at 10:00 a.m. and a Japanese service at 1:30 p.m.  According to ancient legend, the universe was filled with joyful music, flowers bloomed in full glory, and sweet rain fell from the skies when Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini’s Garden on April 8, some 2,500 years ago.  In commemoration of the birth of the Buddha, a flower-covered shrine (Hanamido) will be in front of the altar.  At this special service the congregation will pour sweet tea over the statue of the Buddha and offer flowers to celebrate this joyous day.

One week following the religious services, the cultural exhibits and festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and April 19 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. Japanese cultural exhibits will include handmade Kimekomi dolls, Koi Fish, Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, Sumi-E, Antique Swords, Chigiri-E, Bonsai, Kimono display, and a special rooms displaying projects of the Dharma School and Japanese School children.