WAILUA – The sight of candle- lit toro making their way up the Wailua River is an impressive one, and the annual toro nagashi ceremony always draws people who want a glimpse of the lead boat and the flotilla of
WAILUA – The sight of candle- lit toro making their way up the Wailua River is an impressive one, and the annual toro nagashi ceremony always draws people who want a glimpse of the lead boat and the flotilla of rafts it pulls.
Sunday night, members of the Kapa‘a Jodo Mission gathered at Kaumuali‘i Park for the annual event that symbolizes the end of bon season. It is when the spirits of deceased ancestors make their way back to the spirit world following a reunion with their earthly kin during the bon season.
Although there are several symbolic ways Buddhists of different sects celebrate this spiritual departure, the use of fire is common among the different celebrations.
Accompanying the candle-lit toro, children were issued chochin, or paper lanterns to help guide the spiritual convoy, first upriver followed by a return trip downriver as the tow boat pulled close to the bank of Kaumuali‘ i Park to allow spectators a good vantage point of the procession before making its way out to sea.
Besides the religious connotation, the event is always a good event when relatives, friends, and neighbors can come together and relish an evening of togetherness as the church always hosts refreshments following the ceremony.
