OBON 2025
WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Bon Odori Practice schedule, click here to skip to dates and time
Akachan Ondo ☸️ Asadoya Yunta ☸️ Ashibinaa ☸️ Bon Odori Uta ☸️ Eijanaika ☸️ Hanabi Ondo ☸️ Hokkai no Abarembo ☸️ Jin Jin Hokkai Bon Uta ☸️ Kuroshio Bayashi ☸️ Lantern Song ☸️ Sakura Ondo ☸️ Shiawase Samba ☸️ Tanko Bushi ☸️ Tokyo Ondo ☸️
Obon Service
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Obon - an opportunity for everyone to remember those who have passed before us, a time to appreciate all that they have done and to recognize the continued impact upon our lives
We start the Obon season with an Obon and Hatsubon Service at the Gardena Buddhist Church.
Everyone is welcome
July 14th at 9:30 AM
To learn more - click here
Obon Festival
SATURDAY AUGUST 2 3PM - 9PM
SUNDAY AUGUST 3 3PM - 9PM
FOOD BOOTHS
CHICKEN & BEEF TERIYAKI
SPAM MUSUBI
SUSHI ( Maki / Inari & Charashi)
DANGO
CHILI RICE
SHAVE ICE
TAMALES
BAO
FUN FOR EVERYONE
CARNIVAL GAMES
BINGO
BOUNCE HOUSE &
GIANT SLIDE
TAIKO PERFORMANCES
$50 and $100 Bills will not be accepted
Bon Odori ( Festival Dance)
Come join one of the largest Bon Odori events in So Cal. The street is blocked and everyone is welcome to dance or come stake out a spot to listen to the live music & taiko performance and watch the dancers.
Bon Odori Practice
Instructor led dance practice sessions will be conducted at the Gardena Buddhist Church
8 July, Tuesday 7pm - 9pm Obon Dance Practices - 1st Day
10 July, Thursday 7 pm - 9 pm Obon Dance Practices
15 July, Tuesday 7 pm - 9 pm Obon Dance Practices
17 July, Thursday 7 pm - 9 pm Obon Dance Practices
22 July, Tuesday 7 pm - 9 pm Obon Dance Practices
24 July, Thursday 7 pm - 9 pm Obon Dance Practices - Last Day
Learn More
Temple Tours
Interested in learning about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism? Everyone is welcome to participate, learn and meet Rev John Iwohara.
Saturday Aug 2nd
3:30 - Opening Service @ Yagura
4:00 - Intro to Obon
6:30 - Temple Tour
Sunday Aug 3rd
3:30 - Atomic Bomb Memorial Service
4:00 - Intro to Buddhism
6:30 - Temple Tour
Southern District Obon Schedule
Click here to check out Obon Festivals throughout the Southern District
Questions regarding any of the Obon events at the Gardena Buddhist Church -
email: obon@gardenabuddistchurch.org
NEW
Obon DIY
Express yourself and bring out your crafty inner self and create your own Uchiwa, Hachimaki or Happi Coat
An Uchiwa is a paper fan. click here for one of many DIY examples online
The Hachimaki is a headband that is also used during some Obon dances . Click here for an example.
A Happi Coat are a traditional Japanese outer garnet that is typically worn during festivals and other celebratory events. If you'd like to try to make your own, here are some instructions - Part 1 and Part 2