Buddha Day in Kona

KEALAKEKUA — The Hawaii Association of International Buddhists sponsored Buddha Day with a Sunday service at Kona Hongwanji Mission.

A legend tells that a dragon came from heaven at the time of the birth of the Buddha and poured scented water on the infant.

Nowadays, the infant Buddha is placed in a flower shrine, or Hanamido, and sweet tea is poured instead of scented water as a blessing.

Buddhists from around the island joined in the celebration.