Mochi festival happens today

Advertiser Staff

The Honbushin International Center, which includes the Honbushin Mission and a universal place of worship called the Genten, will host a Mochitsuki Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, sharing the ancient Japanese tradition of pounding mochi.

Striving for authenticity, the event will use usu (stone urns) and kine (mallets), as well as offer a family mochi-pounding. Families will get 2 1/2 pounds of free steamed rice and the use of usu and kine to pound their mochi. Once the mochi is pounded, families will be shown how to shape it into cakes.

New Year's mochi will also be available for sale, as will vegetables and traditional foods. Entertainment will include taiko, hula performances and karaoke.

Information: 623-7693.