USA "Obon Festival, Buddhist Temple of Salinas" Jay Dunn 45 images Created 13 Oct 2013
The Obon Festival at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas, California, now in its 63rd year, showcases the dynamism of Japanese culture in myriad ways. There are displays of ikebana and bonsai, a ritual tea ceremony held in the sanctuary, martial arts demonstrations, classical dancing, taiko drumming and the culmination of the day, joyful dances which honor departed family members. The 2012 and 2013 festivals were well-attended from beginning to end, punctuated by quiet, elegant moments inside the temple. Orai Fujikawa, resident minister, led a formal introduction to the temple in the early afternoon, and conducted an Obon religious service just before the evening’s traditional event, dances which were colorful, inclusive and fun, embracing one and all in an atmosphere of welcome. Watch the video created for the Californian's multimedia section here: https://vimeo.com/jaydunn/obon2012
