This weekend marked the return of the annual Obon Festival in Anaheim since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Obon is a time for Buddhists to remember ancestors who have died and celebrate the Buddha Dharma, or the teachings of the Buddha.
“Family and friends come to this event to enjoy the food, enjoy the games, enjoy the entertainment, to enjoy all of that,” said Margie Mio, the publicity director of the Orange County Buddhist Church, adding that she hopes the festival will spark interest in Buddhism.
Throughout the two-day affair, guests could try Japanese food, play games and shop at a boutique. Vendors sold chicken and beef teriyaki, sushi, shaved ice and assorted baked goods. There were several games for kids, like basketball, corn hole and a ping pong ball toss to win a goldfish.
There was also a taiko drum performance by Daion Taiko, a Buddhist organization at the temple.
Both nights ended with Bon Odori, an outdoor folk dance in gratitude for the deceased. Members from different Buddhist temples throughout Southern California have been practicing the Bon Odori dances for days, Mio said, but everyone was welcome to dance with them as well.
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