BTSD to Hold Two Obon Events

Obon dancers in Spreckels Organ Pavilion during last year’s Bon Odori. (J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo)

SAN DIEGO — Buddhist Temple of San Diego is planning two Obon celebrations this year.

The first Bon Odori will be held on Sunday, July 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the temple, 2929 Market St. in San Diego, following Hatsubon/Obon services at 2 p.m.

The second celebration, continuing from last year’s inaugural event, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego in Balboa Park (paid admission), with Bon Odori at 6:30 p.m. at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1549 El Prado #10 (free).

The festival will continue on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Toro Nagashi, an evening launch of floating lanterns in the Japanese Friendship Garden pond in memory of lost loved ones. (No dancing on Sunday.)

Both days will feature taiko, food, drinks, craft vendors, a beer garden, games, entertainment, and displays.

The last odori practice will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at the temple.

For more information, contact Buddhist Temple of San Diego, (619) 239-0896 or www.btsd.net, or Japanese Friendship Garden, (619) 232-2721 or www.niwa.org.