This is the largest and most important service held at Chion-in. During the services, various events are held, such as a flower-offering ceremony, music services, a hōjō-e (a ceremony in which fish, insects and birds are set free, symbolizing Buddhism’s prohibition against killing) and chanting the nembutsu at midnight. Originally, this service for Hōnen was held in January, around the day of his death, but since 1877 it has been held in April.