West Covina Buddhist Temple held its annual Obon Festival on June 27 at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center in West Covina.
The program included a Manto-e service conducted by Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi, a performance by Kishin Daiko from ESGVJCC; and Bon Odori with dancers from temples and community centers around the Southland.
Food booths featured chicken teriyaki plate, Asian chicken salad, chicken chow mein and more, plus cold beer. There were also games for children, cultural exhibits, and vendors.
Bruce Whang, Obon Committee chair, said, “It was great to see everyone in attendance having a wonderful time. It seemed like it was busy all day long. I enjoyed watching the kids playing at the game booths again. From Roll Down, Ring Toss, Treasure Hunt, and Coin Toss, the kids were having a great time.
“The various vendors and service booths were a really nice addition to this year’s Obon. There were first-aid training opportunities, outdoor sports and e-bikes, cool trading cards, and support braces. I even bought a new back brace, which I love.
“After all these years, I learned at the kimekomi exhibit that these beautiful dolls begin with a wooden shape underneath the exquisite material. Then the highlight of Obon began with Rev. Miyoshi’s operatic chanting for the Manto-e ceremony.
“Followed by a heart-pounding performance by Kishin Daiko. The intensity and precision of the 21 drummers was intoxicating. I was awed by the enthusiasm of the young and more experienced dancers circling the taiko drum-manned yagura. All of them dancing in unison, and some not so much. But that didn’t matter.
“That’s what Bon Odori is about. Just being happy within ourselves. What a sight! What a great day! I was truly enlightened by this year’s Obon! See you next year!”