2024 OBON FESTIVAL
WOW! What an event this year! First of all, a big thank you to all who helped make Obon a great festival. From pre-Obon preparations, setting up, working the booths, to clean-up, this year’s Obon wouldn’t have been so successful without everyone’s support. With that being 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 addition of various vendors and service booths were a really nice addition to this year’s Obon. There were First Aide 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 Kimikome exhibit, that these beautiful dolls begin with a wooden shape underneath the exquisite material. Then the highlight of Obon began with Reverend Miyoshi’s operatic chanting for the Monto-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!
Gassho,
Bruce Whang
Obon Committee Chair
WEST COVINA HIGASHI HONGANJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE