The annual Obon Festival unfolded at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple Sunday. Hundreds of people enjoyed dance and Taiko drumming performances, traditional Japanese food, arts, crafts, a raffle and more.
For Buddhists, the Obon Festival is a time to honor deceased ancestors by inviting them back into their homes. Many consider it a time to honor past generations and their contributions to the living.
Celebrated in Japan for hundreds of years, the festival is sometimes called the Festival of Lanterns.
Over the years, the festival has evolved into a family reunion of sorts. Some participants clean and decorate their homes, and prepare gifts of fruit and vegetables for their eventual visitors. They might also clean the graves of their ancestors.
“The audience seemed really engaged with our performance,” said Ikuyo Conant, sensei and artistic director of Watsonville Taiko. “I could sense people were listening carefully and that means a lot.”
The festival culminates with a dance, known as Bon-Odori, which participants practice for days in advance. The dance is based on the story of Moggalana, a disciple of Buddha who released his mother from suffering in the afterlife, and danced for joy.
One highlight was when a $1,245 cash prize was handed over to raffle winner Connie McKee of Soquel.
“This is my first time to attend Obon,” she said. “We got here when the Taiko started and it all seemed so exciting. I tried the Mochi Waffle and it was great; then I won the raffle. How good is that!”
