Tenrikyo’s calendar hums with a rhythm that brings communities together “like clockwork,” from intimate monthly gatherings to grand decennial celebrations. Here’s a quick tour of the key festivals and observances:

• Monthly Service (Tsukinami-sai):
– Held on the 26th of every month at local churches and the Main Sanctuary in Tenri.
– Church members don traditional white robes, offer the Kagura Service dance, and share the Sazuke blessing.
– Feels like a monthly family reunion—steady, uplifting, and always grounding.

• Founding Festival (Kaihatsu-sai) – January 26:
– Marks the day Oyasama, the Shrine of God the Parent’s Foundress, completed her earthly mission in 1887.
– Tens of thousands of pilgrims stream into Tenri City, filling the crisp winter air with rhythmic clappers and joyful hymns.
– Media outlets often cover the vibrant procession; even local TV in 2024 noted the festival’s surge of younger participants rekindling traditional roots.

• Birthday of Oyasama (Oyasama-matsuri) – April 18:
– Gardens around the Main Sanctuary burst into bloom, echoing the divine parent’s message of a joyous, flourishing life.
– Purple banners flutter overhead, volunteer choirs belt out hymns, and children offer hand-crafted lanterns.
– A favorite among families—spring in full swing, hearts lifting like cherry blossoms on the breeze.

• Memorial Service for Oyasama’s Passing (Eshin-no-Mai) – October 26:
– Transforms autumn’s mellow tones into a bright celebration of Oyasama’s ever-living presence.
– Leaves crunch underfoot as participants circle the Kanrodai, offering silent prayers and communal songs.
– Newspapers sometimes feature human-interest stories of multi-generational pilgrimages, showing that faithful ties aren’t broken by time.

• Grand Service (Daishōai) – every ten years:
– A once-in-a-blue-moon spectacle at Jiba, lasting several days with extended Kagura performances, elaborate altar offerings, and synchronized dances that draw international visitors.
– The last Grand Service in 2015 welcomed over 100,000 guests; preparations for the next edition are already sparking excitement among youth groups, reaching into social media circles.

Between these landmark dates, Tenrikyo’s heartbeat is felt in daily hymns, spontaneous acts of kindness, and small church gatherings. Each festival isn’t just a date on the calendar, but a living reminder of divine parenthood, urging everyone to “let joy roll on” in everyday life.