Joyce Yada dances in the Bon Odori at OCBC in 2019.
ANAHEIM — Celebrate summer at the Orange County Buddhist Church’s annual Obon Festival taking place the weekend of July 20-21.
Obon (Gathering of Joy) is an opportunity to commemorate our deceased loved ones and reflect on the Dharma. The two-day event will feature food, games, shopping, and taiko drum performances at 4 and 6 p.m.
We close out each evening of the festival at 6:30 p.m. with Bon Odori dancing held to celebrate Obon in gratitude to those who have gone before us. All are invited to participate.
As a special treat on Saturday, OCBC is excited that the Asian American collaborative Bonbu Stories will have a live performance of their beautiful “Lantern Song” commissioned for the Buddhist Churches of America’s 125th Anniversary.
Enjoy corn, teriyaki beef and chicken, grilled ika (squid), wontons, Okinawa dango, Spam musubi, Imagawayaki, dango dogs, shave ice, boba teas, sushi, somen, and baked goods. Play kiddie games and win toys. Shop at the boutique for unique gifts. Enter the raffle and win prizes.
In addition, OCBC offers Obon dance practice sessions in the OCBC parking lot on the following dates from 7 to 8 p.m.: July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, and 17.
Location:OCBC, 909 S. Dale Ave., Anaheim
Dates:Saturday, July 20, 2 to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 21, 2 to 8 p.m.
Admission to the festival is free with ample parking at Magnolia High School, 2450 W. Ball Rd. in Anaheim. Shuttle service to and from OCBC will be running throughout the festival.
For more information, call (714) 827-9590, email [email protected] or visit https://www.orangecountybuddhist.org/obon.
OCBC holds regular religious services, meditation sessions, festivals, and ceremonies. Established in 1946, OCBC aims to foster a sense of community and spiritual growth among its members. The temple’s teachings emphasize the significance of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude in achieving spiritual awakening and living a meaningful life.
Daion Taiko, formed in 1978, is one of the oldest Japanese-American Buddhist taiko groups in the U.S. Daion means “great sound of enlightenment.” The 75-member group ranges in age from 10 to adult. Many of its songs have been written by group members, blending traditional Japanese rhythms with contemporary Western music to form its unique sound.
Bonbu Stories is an Asian American arts collaborative dedicated to using music as a medium for raw storytelling and building connections. https://bonbustories.art/