Members of the Sacred Hearts Japanese Club released lanterns at Ala Moana Beach Park at last year's lantern floating.
Annual lantern ceremony
to be held May 31
More than 1,000 lighted candles will be sent out to sea on May 31 in a Buddhist ritual of remembering the dead that draws participants from a broad spectrum of beliefs.
The Toro Nagashi -- lantern floating ceremony -- will begin at 6 p.m. Memorial Day at Ala Moana Park.
The sponsoring organization, Shinnyo-en Hawaii, will collect consolatory prayer requests from the public after 3 p.m. at a Magic Island booth.
The program will begin at 4 p.m. with musical entertainment featuring Te Vai Ura Nui, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko and Maunalua.
The event that the Shinnyo-en group launched six years ago in Honolulu drew a crowd of several thousand last year. It is filmed for broadcast in Japan.
The lanterns carry prayers for the victims of wars, water-related disasters and other calamities.
Parking is available at the Hawaii Convention Center for $5, with a free shuttle service provided from there and from Kona Street beside Ala Moana Center.
Click for online
calendars and events.
