Obon Festival 2024 Makawao-Style
As our special guests this year, we welcomed back Rev. Ron Kobata and his wife Sayoko. Now retired, Rev. Kobata was the Resident Minister at Makawao Hongwanji from 2001 to 2005 and at Kahului Hongwanji for the previous 18 years. This year he delivered the Dharma message at both Hatsubon services. Many friends who fondly remembered Rev. and Mrs. Kobata were excited to be together with them again.
Bonbu Stories, an Asian American arts collective based in California, joined us in the dance ring on both nights for the Upcountry Maui debut of Lantern Song. To commemorate their 125th anniversary this year, the Buddhist Churches of America commissioned this new Obon song which Bonbu Stories composed and choreographed. A video of the dance is available at this link. Like the 3 other Hongwanji temples on Maui, Lantern Song was our first dance on both nights. Kendall Tani of Bonbu Stories is a granddaughter of our late member Florence Sakae.
Adding to the festivities were Maui Taiko performing at Friday intermission and Zenshin Daiko performing at Saturday intermission.
We are deeply grateful for all of the hard work of our sangha members, friends, and our affiliates from Scout Troop 18, Scout Troop 180, Cub Pack 18, and Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club whose countless contributions created another hugely successful Makawao-style Bon Dance with great food, games for keiki, and dancing. MAHALO NUI LOA for a great job!!
MAHALO NUI LOA TO EVERYONE who came to remember departed loved ones, to enjoy ono foods, to dance the night away, and to contribute to the festive atmosphere of our Obon Dance 2024!! Your support inspires us for 2025.
Photos and Story by Jean Heselden
To advance the slide show, please click on the large image.
Or click on a thumbnail to see it in the big frame.
Captions revealed by hovering cursor over large image.
