Penang Bon Odori Carnival 2008

Date: Sat Jul 19 – Sat Jul 19
Venue: Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama)

Bon Odori is Buddhist holiday that originated in Japan to pay tribute to the ancestral spirits. The customs of this festival varies from one region to another but the traditional celebration includes a Bon dance with people dancing to the tune of musicians and singers of the Obon music around a wooden building.

History says that Mokuren, a disciple of Shakyamuni, approached Buddha when he saw his dead mother indulging in low activities in a vision. According to Buddha’s advice, he organized a feast for the dead ancestors and attained happiness after realizing his mother’s acts of kindness in the past. From his dance of joy, Bon Odori or "Bon Dance” evolved. The religious custom soon became popular among all the communities in Japan and became the avenue of celebration in summer.

Features of Bon Odori Festival in Penang

- Organized by the Japanese Expatriate & Immigrant's Society in Malaysia, Bon Odori Festival in Penang, however is observed in a smaller dimension as compared to that in Japan.
- Interestingly enough, this festival today reflects more Japanese culture than the inherent principles of Buddhism.
- You will be able to enjoy hordes of Japanese food, drinks, art and dance in this festival.
- This festival is the Japanese counterpart of the Chinese’s Hungry Ghost Festival..

Some photos in 2007 :

Cute little girl

Cute girl, kawaii !

Ladies wearing yukata (浴衣), a Japanese summer garment. Now you can see it at Penang without going to Japan. The yukata is a casual form of kimono that is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional Japanese inns. Though their use is not limited to after-bath wear, yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes.

Future Cat women, Batman: The Bright Feline