It’s Obon season
Bon Odori is an annual festival at Buddhist Temples welcoming the visiting spirits of their ancestors. It is a time to reminisce about departed loved ones. It has also become an opportunity to reconnect with the living as we see many of our friends and family. The members of each temple and surrounding communities add their personality to the celebration. The Kona Hongwanji Taiko Group will be adding their rhythmic pulse to the music of the Bon Dance music at these venues:
Keei Buddhist Temple — 7/20, 7 p.m.
Kona Hongwanji Mission — 7/27, 6:30 Lantern Parade, Bon Dance to follow
Paauilo Kongoji Mission — 8/3, 7 p.m.
Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission — 8/10, 7 p.m.
Kamuela Hongwanji Mission — 8/17, 7 p.m.
Naalehu Hongwanji Mission — 8/31, 6 p.m.
Obon celebrations originated in Japan more than 500 years ago. Bon Dances were brought to Hawaii by the contract laborers to the sugar cane and pineapple plantations in the 1880s by Japanese immigrants.
‘In the Footsteps of Kamehameha’
Hawaii CC – Palamanui is offering a Saturday class exploring cultural sites in West Hawaii and traditions connected to King Kamehameha. The course — HWST 219: Piko Hawaii II with Professor E. Kalani Flores — is scheduled for eight Saturdays (Aug 31; Sep 14, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 9, 16) from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Activities include moderate hiking. Students can earn three college credits or audit the class.
Info and registration: 969-8816 or http://hawaii.hawaii.edu/apply; course info ekflores@hawaii.edu.
Free yoga for veterans
Big Island Yoga Center is offering free yoga classes to any veteran in West Hawaii. Classes 6 days a week. Info and schedule: bigislandyoga.com.
Info: Julie, 960-3310.