Obon - お盆

Bon is one of the most famous Japanese Buddhist festivals. It starts on the 13th of August and lasts for three days. This festival welcomes spirits back to earth. It is believed that the spirits of our ancestors descend to earth on this day and then return to heaven on the 15th. Around this time, many people go back to their hometowns for family reunions. It is common to see Japanese people dressed in yukata, dancing to the tunes of flutes and taiko drums. This custom is known as Bon-Odori.

Kenchuji Temple Mantokuyo - 建中寺

During Obon, the spirits of ancestors are invited into the fire in the lantern at the temple and those lanterns are brought to the houses on the evening on August 13th. The lanterns are brought back to the temple and the spirits are sent back to heaven on August 15th.