J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo
Above and below: Dancers in VHBT’s 2019 Bon Odori.

By QUINN OKAMOTO

Continuing their tradition of holding amazing Obon Festivals, the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (VHBT), located at 12371 Braddock Dr. in the Venice-Culver City area (corner of Centinela), will hold its 2024 Obon Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, from 3 to 9 p.m. both days.

Obon is a time to express our gratitude to loved ones who have passed on before us.

Obon dancing, including fan favorites such as “One Plus One,” “Sakura Ondo,” “Hokkai no Abarembo,” and, of course, “Tanko Bushi,” will be held on the street, starting at 7 p.m. both nights.

On Sunday we will have performers from the musical group Bonbu Stories in house to perform the “Lantern Song,” created in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Buddhist Churches of America. Bonbu Stories is an Asian American arts collaborative dedicated to using music as a medium for raw storytelling and building connections.

Besides Spam musubi, chicken salad, hot dogs, tofu salad, chili, veggie chili and shave ice, we will be selling Venice favorites such as our grilled boneless chicken teriyaki, our famous wonton (can you guess our secret ingredient?), and extra-fluffy andagi (Okinawa dango). We also will feature our popular Beer Garden, providing a great respite place to catch up with friends or even just relax.

We will also be utilizing a streamlined scrip process this year for purchasing food, drinks and games, which should greatly alleviate lines.

There will be games for the kids, and a VHBT marketplace where you can purchase VHBT T-shirts, happi coats and more. Be sure to pick up one of our 65th anniversary tenugui (towels) designed by Dustin Noriyuki.

We will also have a silent auction with many great items such as Dodgers box seats, a 55″ Sony Bravia HD TV, a Lenovo laptop, handmade quilts and blankets, and much more. Please visit www.32auctions.com/vhbtobon2024 to bid.

We will also have our traditional opportunity drawing with top prizes of $1,000, $500, and an Apple iPad, and many more.

Come and escape the heat and enjoy the cool breezes in Venice, while dancing to both traditional and new dances, after dining on our tantalizing (unme!) food offerings. For more information, call (310) 391-4351 or visit our temple website at https://vhbt.org.