It’s Obon festival time! In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Obon is characterized as “kangi-e” or joyful gathering. It is a festive occasion to celebrate all that we have as a living beings. It gives us a chance to express our gratitude to our ancestors, teachers and friends, to show appreciation to them and to express how fortunate we are to be able to listen to the Buddha’s teachings. We celebrate the opportunity that we have to follow the teachings and to embrace them in our daily lives.

Come join Obon at Hawaii Betsuin and enjoy the dancing, taiko drumming, fellowship, good food and shave ice!

Our 2015 festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. on both Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 with a taiko drumming performance followed by a short service at 6:15 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. dancing begins.

See a news item posted after Friday’s Obon festivities for more information.