Thousands of young Buddhists, flower-laden and in gala attire, assembled in large temples and other public places in Tokyo, Apr 8, to celebrate "Hanamatsuri" - the annual cherry-blossom festival. Exercises and dances were held in honour of the founder of their religion, - Lord Buddha, - before participating in one of the festival's highlights - the "O-Chigosan" procession.

Both parents and children took part in ancient rites in the Gokokuji Temple. Juice of the "Amacha", a king of hydrangea, was poured over the statue of the infant Buddha, and children clad in "Samurai" warrior costumes played round a miniature temple known as "Hanamido" or Flower Temple.

Gaily dressed girls in kimonos, and "sacred children" in ceremonial hats, took part in the colourful procession as crowds of onlookers lined Tokyo streets.

"O-Chigosan" - or sacred children, - occupy an honoured position in the procession. An old account related that they were always gaily dressed and had their faces painted. Their task on this festive day is to dance before the Buddha, and to place offerings before him.