The 32nd Bon Odori (盆踊り) Malaysia Festival was held on 12th July 2008 at Shah Alam Panasonic Sports Complex. This merry occasion marked the 32nd celebration in Malaysia organised by The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur to welcome the ancestral spirits whom are believed to journey from heaven to visit this earthly realm.

The fixture since 1976 has always been a magnet for all, especially the youngsters, to experience the Japanese culture first-hand. Visitors were treated with varieties of traditional Japanese cuisines especially those popular foods that were only available during summer season in Japan.

Bon Odori is a cultural dance performance. Dancers clad in the colourful yukata (summer kinomo) performed the Japanese folk dances on yagura, a special platform set up in the centre of the complex, while the enthusiastic public encircled the yagura, dancing along happily.

The dances involved swishing of the iconic Bon Odori fans, flailing of hands and occasional clapping in sync with the lively rhythm of drums, gongs and flutes.

* For more photos, check out my flickr photo album.