PALO ALTO — Palo Alto Buddhist Temple will celebrate Obon, a festival honoring family and ancestors, on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3, from 12 to 9:30 p.m.
The Rev. Dean Koyama, the temple’s resident minister, will give Dharma talks each day and will also conduct a Bon Odori Service on Sunday, prior to the Obon dance.
Enjoy a high-powered performance by San Jose Taiko at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The traditional Obon Odori dance will highlight Sunday evening’s festivities. The dance, an expression of gratitude towards one’s family and ancestors, starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and all are invited to join in the celebration.
Enjoy Japanese and American food, games for the children, bake sale goods, a silent auction and a book sale.
The festival also features many dance and musical performances. Minyo (Japanese folk music) and a Japanese dance performance highlight Saturday evening’s program along with a shakuhachi and koto performance. Those interested in martial arts will enjoy the tai chi, judo, kendo and karate demonstrations over the festival weekend.
Palo Alto artist Lorraine Capparell will display her “Life of Buddha” series of paintings. Japanese arts will be represented in origami, ikebana and suiseki (artful stones).
The temple is located at 2751 Louis Rd. in Palo Alto. For more information, visit www.pabt.org.