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Since we lost our chance to honor loved ones in a Temple-based, traditional Bon Odori ….
… we are holding this Virtual Festival of Lanterns instead.
New Fundraiser Supports the Temple
For an initial donation of $45 (Temple member)/$50 (non-Temple member), a physical white paper lantern with your loved one's names rendered in Japanese characters on the paper lantern and in the English alphabet on the tag, to be displayed at the Buddhist Temple of San Diego until January 1, 2021.
After January 2, 2021, you may collect the lantern(s) to keep at home. FOR FUTURE OBONs, you may return the lantern(s) to the Temple for display at our next Obon Odori (subject to a nominal donation).
VIDEO for background on what leads us to this event.
The Festival Runs through tne End of 2020
We are taking orders, while supplies last, through November 15, and all lanterns will be displayed in the Temple until the New Year.
Quantities Are Limited
In preparing for this event we made a good faith estimate of the number of lanterns to be prepared. When that quantity is claimed, we will close the site to future transactions.
Helping Us Get Your Name Right
Especially if you are ordering online, and are submitting a Japanese name, or Buddhist name, you can email us at the address provided with a graphics file or an email note with the hiragana and kanji necessary.
Methods for Order and Payment
Making the Order. Our form will guide you through your choices. You may enter up to three lanterns online. If you need to order more, complete one order and then click on the form link a second time:
Payment Options. Many people find it convenient to pay online via PayPal or credit card, both of which you can do here:
Or you may pay by check. Please note Lantern Festival in the memo and post the check to
Buddhist Temple of San Diego
Attn.: Virtual Festival of Lanterns
2929 Market St
San Diego CA 92102-3227
Paper Forms Accepted Too
You may also download and print the order form here. Payment options remain the same. If you wish, you can supply your credit card information on the printed form to be run manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a chance to see the lantern before the end of the year?
Yes, we will send you a photo to the email address or test you have supplied.
How long will it take to personalize the lantern?
Please allow 2 to 4 weeks.
What happens after January 1, 2021? Can I pick up my lanterns?
We encourage all donors to pick up their lanterns at the Temple through January 31 during business hours (9-4, Tuesday through Friday).
May I bring the lanterns back to the Temple for the next Bon Odori, hopefully in August 2021?
Yes, if you bring back the lanterns, we will hang them for display at the next Bon Odori at the Temple, subject to a nominal fee. We will not be able to store the lanterns at the Temple.
What happens if lanterns are not picked up by January 31, 2021?
Lanterns left at the Temple after January 31, 2021 may be recycled.
How will my name be rendered on the lantern itself?
Japanese names will be rendered in kanji (Chinese ideograms) and hiragana as directed in your order. If the name includes Japanese and non-Japanese components, the non-Japanese components will be rendered in hiragana or katakana, a kind of phonetic approximation. Non-Japanese names will be rendered in kana.
For Additional Questions
Please email the Temple or call the Temple at 619-239-0896.
Here is a sample of a lantern for a non-Japanee name using kana. Japanese names would be done in kanji.
Festival of Lanterns Committee
The committee consists of Carol Baker, Kimberly Kruse, LuAnn Lee, Ann Ong, and Bill Teague.