Church Headquarters held the traditional New Year’s event called “Sechi Festival” at the Home of the Parent, from January 5 to 7.
The event has continued since the days when Oyasama was physically present. In anticipation of observing the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama this year, many church groups and families from all across the world returned to Jiba. The number of visitors during the event was 39,678, bringing vibrancy to the Home of the Parent.
The venues opened at ten o’clock each day. People who had finished their New Year’s pilgrimage to Jiba began to line up at the reception area in front of two entrance gates thirty minutes before opening.
Once the sound of wooden clappers echoed around the venues, signaling the opening of the festival, visitors moved to the venues set up both inside and outside. They enjoyed bowls of charcoal-grilled rice cakes and mizuna greens served in a hot, clear broth, savoring the warm atmosphere at the Home of the Parent. At the exit of the venues, they also received packs of sliced rice cakes.
During the three-day period, approximately 5,000 people, including Church Headquarters resident officials, Church Headquarters staff members, Shuyoka students, and students of Tenrikyo schools, engaged in hinokishin activities including serving zoni to the visitors, acting as venue guides, and roasting rice cakes.
This year, 14,440 kilograms (31,768 lb.) of rice cakes, 1,800 kilograms (3,960 lb.) of mizuna greens, and 17,110 liters (4,515 gal.) of clear broth were served while 4,118 kilograms (9,060 lb.) of charcoal was used for grilling the rice cakes.
