2011 Pasadena Buddhist Church Obon Odori (2 Days) (Different times)NEW

Obon Festival Background
Annual Pasadena Buddhist Temple's annual Obon festival will be held in July. There will be food, crafts, games, cultural exhibits and demonstrations. Each evening, dancers from around the Southland gathered around the yagura and danced the traditional Obon Odori (dances). Dancing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm each evening. Obon odori is to dance for joy. Everyone is invited to join in to just dance and be accepted as we are.

Obon honors the memory of relatives and friends who have passed away. Special service will be held for families that have lost a loved one since the last obon.

Obon comes from the story of Maudgalyana, a disciple of the Buddha, who sees his mother suffering in hell. Maudgalyana goes to the Buddha for advice and is instructed to make a gift (a vegetarian meal) to his fellow monks. He did so, and immediately his mother is saved from the miseries of hell. Overjoyed, he and his fellow monks clapped their hands and danced in joy. Obon, therefore, is an occasion for rejoicing in liberating others and ourselves from suffering.

Food booths served BBQ chicken teriyaki, chow mein, sushi, and snow cones. A few game booths will help entertain the youngsters. Festivities begin at 4:30 and end at 9:00 on Saturday and 8:30 on Sunday.

Dates
July 23 - 24, 2011

Festival Obon Times
Sat: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Sun: 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Bon Odori Dance Times
Obon dancing will begin at 6:30 pm

Bon Dance Festival Ondo Practice Schedule (Check Web Site)
Practice is every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

Event Title
2011 Pasadena Buddhist Church Obon Odori

Event Location
Pasadena Buddhist Church, 1993 Glen Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

Information
For more information via the internet, send email to Jeannie.

2011 Japanese Obon Festival & Bon Odori Schedule
http://www.japanese-city.com/obon