PABT’s Obon Festival and Bazaar

PALO ALTO — Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Rd. in Palo Alto, will hold its annual Obon Festival and Bazaar on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2, from 12 to 9:30 p.m.

The Rev. Dean Koyama, the temple’s resident minister, will give a Bon Odori service on Sunday, prior to the Obon dance.

Attend special Dharma talks and discussions featuring a special guest, the Rev. Henry Adams. The talks are scheduled on Saturday at 6 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Issei Hall.

Enjoy the ever-popular, high-powered San Jose Taiko group as they perform at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The traditional Obon Odori will highlight Sunday evening’s festivities. The dance is an expression of gratitude towards one’s family and ancestors. The Obon Odori dance starts at 7:30pm on Sunday and all are invited to join us and dance in the celebration!

Enjoy Japanese and American food, games for the children, bake sale goods, a silent auction, and a book sale.

The festival also features many dance and musical performances. Minyo (Japanese folk music) and a Japanese dance performance highlight Saturday evening’s program along with a shakuhachi and koto performance. Enjoy “storigami,” the Japanese art of paper folding and storytelling, on Sunday at 1 p.m. Those interested in martial arts will enjoy the karate, judo and kendo demonstrations.

Among the festival weekend exhibits are Japanese “mon” banners (family crests of some members of the temple) and ikebana and suiseki displays. Palo Alto artist Lorraine Capparell presents a series of her paintings entitled “Life of Buddha.”

The final dance practices will be held on Monday, July 27, and Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m.

The festival schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 1

5 p.m.: Taiko herald by PABT Adult Taiko

6 p.m.: Dharma talk by Rev. Henry Adams of San Mateo Buddhist Temple; minyo and Japanese dance performance by Minyo Dokokai

7 p.m.: Shakuhachi/koto performance by Marimo-kai

8 p.m.: Music interlude by Bad Karma

9 p.m.: Kendo demonstration by Palo Alto Kendo Dojo

Sunday, Aug. 2

12 p.m.: Taiko herald by PABT Adult Taiko and PABT Dharma School Taiko

1 p.m.: Storigami (paper folding and storytelling) by June Sakamoto

2 p.m.: Karate demonstration by Silicon Valley Shotokan Karate

2:30 p.m.: Dharma talk and discussion with Rev. Adams

3 p.m.: Koto performance by Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto Koto Studio

4:30 p.m.: Judo demonstration by Palo Alto Judo Club

5:30 p.m.: San Jose Taiko performance

6:30 p.m.: Japanese popular music by Janice Terakawa

7 p.m.: Bon Odori service conducted by Rev. Dean Koyama, resident minister

7:30 p.m: Bon Odori led by Marjorie Nakaji and assistants

For more information, call (650) 856-0123 or visit www.pabt.org.