Gedatsu Church USA

Second Sunday of April and First Sunday of September, Sacramento Branch
Every spring and fall, the LA and Sacramento branches congregate at the US Goreichi in Sacramento for "Taisai" or fesitval. A unique aspect of these festivals is the Saito Goma Service in which participants burn plaques as an expression of appreciation for various aspects of their lives, for example having a job, being able to drive, being able to send one's children to school, etc.

Last weekend of June, Sacramento Branch

The focus of the Rokujizo Festival and Food Bazaar is to express appreciation to the Rokujizo and to welcome the public onto the Sacramento church grounds.  During the festival, we lead guided tours of the church and grounds in which we describe the various monuments, statues, and shrines on the property. At the Japanese Food Bazaar, the public can enjoy delicious teriyaki BBQ chicken, tempura, sushi, udon, Japanese-style chow mein, snow cones, baked goods, Japanese and domestic beer, soda, and many other treats. Entertainment and demonstrations proceed throughout the festival, and typically include Japanese sword fighting, taiko drumming, and hula dancing. Other activities include games for children, a rummage sale, and a raffle with prizes up to $1000!

First Weekend of October, Los Angeles Branch
This festival celebrating the yearly coming of the beautiful autumn moon includes a bazaar in which the public is invited to the LA church grounds for food and family fun, including our famous Huli Huli chicken, other Japanese food and treats, games for children, great entertainments, and much more!

Third Saturday of September, Los Angeles Branch

1st Sunday in February (LA Branch)
Description coming soon...

Early August, Lake Tahoe (Sacramento Branch); July or August (LA Branch)
Without water we cannot survive. At the Benzaiten service church members express appreciation for water. The Sacramento Benzaiten service is celebrated at Lake Tahoe and is accompanied by a barbecue and a day of fun at the beach. The Los Angeles Benzaiten service is typically celebrated at the LA Church.

March and September (Higan Service); July (Obon Service)
These spring, summer, and autumn services focus on appreciation of ancestors. The Obon service is a major Japanese family holiday centered around families' ancestors. The Higan services focus on appreciation of our country's ancestors, including the US pioneers and Native Americans. It is thanks to their efforts that we are able to live in this land.

First service of the year (all branches)
All branches host a New Year celebration at the first service of the new year.

Kitamoto, Japan
The following is a brief listing of some of the festivals celebrated by Gedatsukai, Japan. See the events page on the Gedatsukia, Japan website for more information.

• Sun Spirit Monument Service (Feb 11)
  
• Pilgrimage to Ise Shrine, Kashihara Shrine, and Sennyuji Temple (April 1-3) 
  
• Spring and Autumn Festivals (May, October)
• Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service (Nov 4)
• Goseitansai (Gedatsu Kongo's Birthday, Nov 28)