Citywide Buddhist ‘Obon Fest’ returns to Creston-Kenilworth temple

Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 29, 2024

Obon Fest – primarily a Japanese cultural celebration – attracted hundreds of people to the campus of the Oregon Buddhist Temple, in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood, on Saturday, August 3.

Historically, Obon is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits, and of a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. The celebration has in recent times evolved into a family reunion holiday and a dancing celebration.

“About the Obon Festival – we think about several aspects,” informed one of three event co-organizers, Marilyn Achterman. “It’s religious, absolutely; this is the base and the foundation of this Buddhist festival. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years, and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.

“But additionally, it’s also a summer event, a community gathering, and a cultural celebration – and it’s also definitely a ‘food fair’, with lots of great food we all enjoy together!” Achterman told THE BEE.

Many of the 150 volunteers who make the festival possible aren’t either Japanese or Buddhist, Achterman said. “People come here to volunteer from all over the greater Portland area. I think the volunteers are here because we really do appreciate their help – and, they derive meaning and significance out of it themselves, also.

“The most important aspect of this, to me, is that the festival brings people of all sorts to visit a Buddhist temple,” explained Achterman. “It doesn’t matter if they are Buddhist, or become Buddhist – or even if they never come back to our temple! – I just feel glad that they came to visit us here at our Buddhist temple.”

Musical and dance groups performed throughout the afternoon and into the evening hours, as guests stayed fueled by delicious foods, cooked by volunteers on site.

You can learn more about the Oregon Buddhist Temple by going online: http://www.oregonbuddhisttemple.com

right now, take a look at some of the activities at during this year’s “Obon Fest” on the campus of the Oregon Buddhist Temple, in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood, on August 3, in this brief and exclusive BEE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/eVzPdy9ysjc