Celebrating the dearly departed souls, Obon brings families together to pay respect to their ancestors.
The Obon Festival, also referred to as the Bon Festival, is a Japanese festival, celebrated annually during the summer months of July or August. Obon celebration serves to pay honor and pay homage to ancestors' spirits.
Obon Festival revolves around the belief that departed ancestors' spirits revisit the earthly realm during this period. Families seize the opportunity to come together, demonstrating respect and gratitude towards their ancestors while seeking their blessings.
The festival is accompanied by a plethora of customs and rituals. Among them, one prominent tradition involves the lighting of lanterns, either by placing them on altars or releasing them into rivers or the ocean. These illuminated lanterns, known as toro nagashi symbolically guide the spirits back to the realm of the departed. This event typically takes place on the final day of the festival.
Another integral aspect of Obon is the spirited Bon dance, also known as Bon Odori. Participants join in lively and rhythmic dance routines set to traditional music, honoring their ancestors' spirits. The dance moves are often simple and repetitive, allowing people of all ages to partake in the festivities.
Moreover, families commonly visit the gravesites of their ancestors, engaging in acts of cleaning tombstones, offering food, flowers, and lighting incense as a gesture of respect. This ritual, known as "ohakamairi," holds deep significance during Obon.
And there’s special food, as most festivals come with food. Families meticulously prepare special dishes and offerings, like the "ozen, a set of food items to be placed on family altars or gravesites. Somennoodles and yakiroti are popular food during this festival.
While Obon is not recognized as a national holiday in Japan, it is widely observed and celebrated across the country. Each region may have its distinct customs and traditions associated with the festival, contributing to the diverse and vibrant tapestry of the event.
The Obon Festival serves as an occasion for Japanese families to unite, commemorate their ancestors, and celebrate the perpetual cycle of life through a tapestry of rituals, dances, and communal gatherings.
Taking part in the festival
Participating in Japanese festivals, including the Obon Festival, is a breeze for visitors. If you want to do more than just observe the lanterns, you can bring your own lanterns or purchase ready-made ones at the venue. There are designated areas where you can personalize your lanterns with pictures and wishes. Watching the Toro Nagashi procession is free of charge, but you need to arrive early to avoid the crowd. If you wish to release a lantern, be prepared to wait in line. Your lantern will be lit once you reach the river.
