13 August 2025 Obon

The Obon festival is one of Japan’s largest and most significant religious events. This is a Buddhist custom honouring the spirits of one’s ancestors, which is why it is also known as the festival of the dead or the festival of souls.

It would be unusual for a Buddhist festival not to have a monk-based legend and Obon doesn't disappoint.  In this case, the festival is based on a legend about a Buddhist monk called Mogallana. The story goes that Mogallana could see into the afterlife, and saved his deceased mother from going to hell by giving offerings to Buddhist monks. Having gained redemption for his mother, he danced in celebration, joined by others in a large circle. This dance is known as the Bon Odori dance.

Probably the closest equivalent in the west is Halloween, but the big difference here is that the spirits aren't to be frightened away. The Buddhist custom is that the spirits of ancestors come out on Obon to visit their families, so they are welcomed with the Bon Odori dance and traditional meals are prepared for the spirits. The spirits are then guided home, sometimes with paper lanterns to light their way.

And although Ancestor festivals are common throughout Asia, Obon has clear parallels to Pchum Ben, the Hungry Ghosts festival in Cambodia which takes place in September or early October.