June 7, 2011

AOBA-MATSURI FESTIVAL

AOBA-MATSURI FESTIVAL
Let’s Celebrate Kobo Daishi’s Birthday!


June 15 (Wed) FESTIVITY

9:00 Buddhist Service < Place: The main hall in Daishi Kyokai >
* Kobo Daishi Kukai was born in Sanuki Province (Kagawa prefecture in Shiokoku island) on June 15th,774. In order to celebrate his birth, this ceremony has been carried on every June 15th as an annual event of Koyasan, since 1778.
10:00, 11:00, 14:00 Gagaku
(Traditional Court Music) performed by Kanagawa Gagaku Club
< Place: Kongobuji >
11:40 Song of Prayer 
12:00 Wakayama Police Marching Band  
12:00 #1. Marching band
by Koyasan Elementary School Students
< From Ichinohashi to Kongobuji, or to Daishi Kyokai >
#2. Hanamido < Starat from Ichinohashi to Kongobuji >

* Hanamido is a small portable altar that enshrines Kobo Daishi in his infancy.
The procession of Hanamido parades along the main street together with other
decorative floats. The processional performance includes dancing and drumming as well.
Anyone can join in the “Local Dancing Team”

14:00 #3. Greetings < Parking lot in front of Kongobuji >
・ The Most Reverend Yukei Matsunaga,
the 412th Chief Abbot of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
・ Takeji Kise, a Mayor of Koya Town

EXHIBITION & SERVICES
9:00 Exhibition of Calligraphy, Photographs and Paintings of Buddhist art
< Place: Shinbetsuden in Kongobuji >
Flower Arrangement Display
< Place: Betsuden in Kongobuji >
9:00 Tea Ceremony < Place: Okuden in Kongobuji >
* Open to the public. Tea is served for free.
9:00 Performance of Flower Arrangement & Tea Ceremony
< Place: Daishi Kyokai >

(( Admission to Kongobuji is free on June 15th ))

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