HANA MATSURI

Buddha's birthday (Bussho-e), also popularly known as the Flower Festival, celebrates the birth of Buddha at major temples across the country. In front of the Sensō-ji pagoda in Tokyo, pilgrims pour tea over a Buddha statuette. This rite derives from the legend that when Buddha was born, nine dragons descended from the sky to cover him with nectar. Today, the women put on their beautiful kimonos to celebrate the event. Hydrangea tea is served at the temple amidst other celebrations.