WEST COVINA — For the first time in three summers, the rumble of the taiko rang out, the aroma of chicken teriyaki wafted overhead and scores of visitors navigated the dance circle.
The West Covina Buddhist Temple hosted what it called its “comeback” Obon Festival on June 24.
The annual summer gathering last took place in 2019, then falling victim to the pandemic the next two years.
“We had a small get-together last year, only for members,” said West Covina Buddhist Temple Rinban Nobuko Miyoshi. “There were only a few dances and we had bento, but we were grateful for that.
“Today, this is a really moving experience to see everyone together again like this – young parents who brought kids, many who came as kids themselves. They realize the importance of community bonding.”
Above: It’s all smiles from the Martinez family for a photo op.
Right: A young participant is taught the dance steps. Seven dance practices were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays prior to the festival, but everyone was invited to join in regardless of experience.
Below: Well-known for his enthusiasm for “Shiawase Samba,” Kenta Saito adds to the enjoyment.
The dancing was preceded by a Manto-e service honoring loved ones who passed away during the past year.
The scaled-down menu included chicken teriyaki plate, chicken chow mein, and beer.
Photos by MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo
Conner O'Malley's new standup special is a scathing critique of our AI realityBest Buy's 3Best Mother's Day gift deals: Save 10% on the Bird Buddy at AmazonPenn State vs. Oregon football livestreams: kickoff time, streaming deals, and moreBest pet camera deals: Save up to 35% off pet camera brands during Amazon Pet DayBest Mother's Day gift deals: Save 10% on the Bird Buddy at AmazonWayfair sale 2024 last chance to shop: May 6 is the last day of Way DayBest Amazon deal: Grab the Carrera Smart Sunglasses with Alexa on sale for 15% offSeahawks vs. Cardinals 2024 livestream: How to watch NFL onlineBest Amazon Pet Day vacuum deals: Save up to $400 on brands like Shark and eufy Google delays reopening U.S. offices until September Tesla launches 'S3XY' short shorts, breaks its website Spotify launches special subscription plan for people who live together Instagram's 'Pinned Comments' feature is now available to everyone Despite the death, 'Shadowlands' is a 'World of Warcraft' growth spurt Hulu vs. Plex: Which group streaming service is right for you? Uber's global reach grows as the company's ridesharing comes to Tokyo Coinbase reportedly prepping stock market listing because YOLO Amazon fined $135,000 for trade sanctions violations ICE tells foreign students taking online
0.1609s , 9801.75 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【??? ?? ?? ???】A Heartfelt Comeback,Global Hot Topic Analysis