2015 / Japanese style summer festival: Pasadena Buddhist Temple Annual Obon Festival, July 18, 19
Pasadena Buddhist Temple Annual Obon Festival, July 18 & 19
The boom of the Taiko drum; the swirl of colors from bright yukatas and happi coats; the aromas of grilled chicken teriyaki and corn are all sensory pleasures marking the annual Pasadena Buddhist Temple Obon Festival, taking place this year on July 18 & 19 starting at 4:30 pm each day.
Obon, also known as Kangi-E “A Gathering of Joy”, is a time to show appreciation for family and friends who have passed from this world.
Pasadena’s Obon will express joy through Bon Odori (Japanese folk dancing), taiko performances, food booths, exhibits, martial arts demonstrations, vendors and guest appearances.
Obon dancing will take place each evening at 6:30 PM. The public is welcome to join in the fun. Taiko drum performances will take place at 7:00 PM with more Obon dancing resuming after the performance.
Every Obon has a variety of festival foods. Pasadena will have their own BBQ chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki, manju, new Noodle Bites, unagi donburi, snow cones, grilled corn, maki sushi/inari sushi (Saturday only), chirashi rice (Sunday only), spam musubi and more……
Each day will feature special events and appearances. Saturday only: maki sushi and inari sushi, and the following:
*5:00-6:30 pm: Local renowned cartoonist, Stan Sakai (“Usagi Yojimbo book signing courtesy of Heritage Source Booksellers.
*5:00 pm: PJCI Qi Gong demonstration
*5:30 pm: PJCI Shotokan Karate demonstration
*5:30 pm: Visit by Nisei Week Court candidates
*7:00 pm: L.A. Matsuri Taiko performance
*8:15 pm: Silent Auction closes
Sunday special features include chirashi (mixed rice) prepared by the Buddhist Women’s Association and the following:
*5:00-6:30 pm: Marsha Aizumi and Aiden Aizumi, (“Two Spirits One Heart”) book signing courtesy of Heritage Source Booksellers
*5:00 pm: Nanka Kyudo Kai demonstration
*5:30 pm: Pasadena Kendo Dojo demonstration
*6:00 pm: Pasadena Naginata Dojo demonstration
*7:00 pm: Taiko of West L.A. Buddhist Temple performance
*8:30 pm: Opportunity Drawing
In addition there will be game booths and an Opportunity Drawing with prizes including an Apple Watch.
For a complete schedule, please visit PasadenaBuddhistTemple.org.
Pasadena Buddhist Temple
1993 Glen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 798-4781 PasadenaSangha@gmail.com
