2010 / Obon Festival at Pasadena, July 24 -25

July 24-25, 2010

Pasadena Buddhist Temple

1993 Glen Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

(626) 798-4781

www.PasadenaBuddhistTemple.org

Obon honors the memory of relatives and friends who have passed away. Special service will be held for families that have lost a loved one since the last obon on Saturday, July 24th at 3:00. Obon Family Service will be held on Sunday, July 25th at 10:00 am.

Obon comes from the story of Maudgalyana, a disciple of the Buddha, who sees his mother suffering in “hell”. Maudgalyana goes to the Buddha for advice and is instructed to make a gift (a vegetarian meal) to his fellow monks. He did so, and immediately his mother is saved from the miseries of hell. Overjoyed, he and his fellow monks clapped their hands and danced in joy. Obon, therefore, is an occasion for rejoicing in liberating others and ourselves from suffering.

Food booths served BBQ chicken teriyaki, chow mein, sushi, and snow cones. A few game booths will help entertain the youngsters.

Festivities begin at 4:00 and end at 9:00 on Saturday and 8:30 on Sunday.

Each evening, dancers from around the Southland gathered around the yagura and danced the traditional Obon Odori (dances).

Dancing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm each evening. Obon odori is to dance for joy. Everyone is invited to join in to “just dance” and be accepted as we are.

Taiko Performances are scheduled each evening during the dancing break (around 7:00 PM). Saturday will feature Matsuri Taiko and Sunday will feature Taiko Center of Los Angeles.

Saturday, July 24

4:45 – 5:15 Qi Gong demonstration – Ernie Fukumoto

5:15 – 5:45 Judo demonstration –  Pasadena Kodokan Judo

5:45 – 6:15 Aikido demonstration – Pasadena Aikido

6:20 (approximate time) Introduction of Nisei Week Queen Candidates

6:30 – 7:00 Obon Dancing Part I – audience participation

7:00 – 7:30 Matsuri Daiko performance

7:30 – 8:00 Bon Dancing Part II – audience participation

8:15 – 8:30 Silent Auction closes

5:00 – 7:00 Book signing by Naomi Hirahara and Setsu Broderick

Sunday, July 25

4:30 – 5:15 Tea Ceremony (Chado) demonstration

5:15 – 5:30 Kyudo demonstration – Pasadena Kyudo

5:30 – 6:00 Naginata – Pasadena Naginata

6:00 – 6:30 Obon Dancing Part I – audience participation

7:00 – 7:30 Taiko Center of Los Angeles performance

7:30 – 8:00 Obon Dancing Part II – audience participation

8:15 (approximate time) Raffle Drawing

5:00 – 7:00 Book signing by Shig Yabu, Willie Ito, and Barbara Balzaldua

Exhibits and Exhibitors at the Annex (Gym) July 24, 25

Ikebana – Flower Arrangement

Bonsai – Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Hisayasu

Exhibits by Eiko Masuyama: The Buddhist Church Experience in the Camo, 1942 – 1945: The History of Nishi Hongwanji

Clayvision Charms and Gifts

Filament  Handmade Jewelry

Happy Shirts – T-Shirts and gift

Heritage Source Book Sellers

Ichi-Knee Antiques

Mariko III – Handcrafted items

Spicy Brown – Contemporary  t-shirts and accessories