Photographs from the NYBC 2003 Obon Festival

Photographs from the New York Buddhist Church 2003 Obon Festival held in July at Bryant Park, New York City. During Obon, we remember and commune with our ancestors. The Bon Odori dance is performed to entertain our ancestors and to show our respect and gratitude to them. We appreciate the support and participation of the the Bryant Park Association, the City of New York, the Japanese Consulate, the New York Seinenkai, the Japanese American Association, the Kokushi Budo Institute, Soh Daiko, the Tachibana School of Dance, the Seabrook Buddhist Temple, Hoh Daiko, NY de Volunteer, and the Guardian Angels, for making this day a success. Please click on the images to view actual photographs Hoh Daiko, a traditional taiko drum group based in Seabrook, New Jersey opens the festival (right, 292 KB). Members of Shoh Daiko and the Tachibana School of Dance, groups affiliated with the NYBC, perform together (right, 298 KB). Participants enjoy the traditional dances (right, 299 KB). Participants enjoy the traditional dances (right, 319 KB). Participants enjoy the traditional dances (right, 285 KB). Rev. Nakagaki helps keep the beat during one of the dances (right, 344 KB).