Gardena Buddhist Church Obon Festival

About this happenin

Every August, Gardena Buddhist Church closes its stretch of 166th Street in Gardena for Bon Odori, and the church calls it one of the largest in Southern California. Anyone can join the dancing. Or find a spot along the street to watch, with taiko and live music going. It runs over a Saturday and Sunday in early August. Recent editions have started each afternoon at 3:30 with a service: an opening service at the yagura on Saturday, and an atomic bomb memorial service in the Hondo, the temple's main hall, on Sunday. Taiko starts at 4:30 and the dancing at 6:00. Obon is a memorial observance for those who have died, but the church describes the mood as festive rather than solemn. The dancing comes from the story of Moggallana, a disciple of the Buddha who danced for joy when he learned his mother had been freed from suffering.

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Where

Gardena Buddhist Church · 1517 W 166th St, Gardena, CA 90247