2023 San Luis Obispo (SLO) Obon Festival Event (Bon Odori Dancing, Live Taiko, Beef & Chicken Teriyaki, Sushi..) SaturdayNEW

2023 San Luis Obispo (SLO) Buddhist Church Obon Festival Event.  Obon is an Annual Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors.  The Obon Festival can be traced to a Buddhist sutra that tells the story of Mogallana, a disciple of Budda who, in meditation, saw his deceased mother suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts. He tried giving her food but it turned into flames. Buddha advised him to engage in a "jishi", or retreat, and make an offering for his fellow monks. This done, he saw his mother released from suffering and he danced for joy. Varying interpretations evolved over the years, including the belief that spirits of ancestors actually revisit this world. Pine torches are attached to bamboo to welcome spirits to the family home, and on the final day of the observance, spirits are said to return to the nether world, guided by candle-lit lanterns that are set adrift on water.

Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances. The typical Obon is a blend of somber reflection and celebration of those before us.

Obon dancing at 1 pm, taiko performance at 2:30 pm, temple open house, Asian ware and item sale.

Food: teriyaki chicken bowl, vegetarian curry bowl, teriyaki beef on skewer, and sushi.

(UPDATE COMING)

Obon Festival Event Date
August 5, 2023, Saturday

Obon Event Time 
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Festival Event Schedule
1:00 pm: Bon Odori (Japanese Folk Dance)
2:30 pm: Taiko Performance

All dancing will be held outdoors

Ticket Costs
Free Admission

Event Location
San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Event Title 
San Luis Obispo (SLO) Obon Festival Event (Bon Odori Dance, Live Taiko, Limited Food)

San Luis Obispo Obon & Practices 

Obon Festivals & Practices 

All Obon Festivals  Obon Practices Map

See Japanese Event Festivals  

All Japanese Festivals  Map

Celebrate the Japanese Culture food, performances and dancing.
(Please always confirm date & times, the schedule could change)



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Previous Year Information  

Obon is an Annual Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors.  The Obon Festival can be traced to a Buddhist sutra that tells the story of Mogallana, a disciple of Budda who, in meditation, saw his deceased mother suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts. He tried giving her food but it turned into flames. Buddha advised him to engage in a "jishi", or retreat, and make an offering for his fellow monks. This done, he saw his mother released from suffering and he danced for joy. Varying interpretations evolved over the years, including the belief that spirits of ancestors actually revisit this world. Pine torches are attached to bamboo to welcome spirits to the family home, and on the final day of the observance, spirits are said to return to the nether world, guided by candle-lit lanterns that are set adrift on water.

Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances. The typical Obon is a blend of somber reflection and celebration of those before us.

Obon Dance Practice Dates - Locate All Practice Dates 
Location: San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church, 6996 Ontario Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA