San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple hosts its Obon festival on June 29-30 at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. on both days.
The San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will hold its annual Obon Festival on Saturday, June 29, from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford St. in Pacoima.
Festivities will kick off at 4:30 p.m. in the gym on Saturday and Sunday with a showcase of SFVJACC club demonstrations including judo, hula, exercise class, line dancing, ondo, ukulele and pickleball.
By 6:30 p.m., the space will be transformed into a “museum” of local Japanese American history including Tuna Canyon Detention Station and Eiko Masuyama’s “Buddhism in WWII-era Camps” display.
In addition, learn about our temple’s 100-year-long history in the San Fernando Valley and find out the answer to the burning question, “What is Obon?” Local nonprofit organizations including EGAO and SFVJACC will also have a presence.
At the yagura, you will hear the booming taiko performances of San Fernando Valley Taiko on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Obon Odori dancing will follow, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. All attendees are encouraged to join in the simple and fun dances “just as you are,” to celebrate the Buddhist “Gathering of Joy,” which started centuries ago as a religious custom to remember and express gratitude to deceased loved ones.
Take in cultural arts such as bonsai, ikebana and Japanese doll-making. Enjoy family carnival games. Get your fill of delicious ethnic foods such as chicken teriyaki, udon noodles, sushi, dango, cha shu bao, shumai, baked goods and more. Enter a raffle for a chance to win up to $1,000 and cool off in the Bingo Hall with its Buddhist bookstore and Japanese Flea Market.
Free and open to the public; there will be something for everyone. Parking is available at the SFVJACC and on the surrounding streets. Please, no pets.
For more information, call (818) 899-4030 or go to https://www.sfvhbt.org/obonfestival/.