Obon Festival which is also known as the Bon Festival it is an annual festival observed in Japan from the 13th to 15th day of the seventh lunar month according to the Japanese calendar. And thus this year it falls from 13th to 15th of August. However it can also held from 13th to 15th of July depending on the calendar used.
It is the festival of spirits as on this day the Japanese people welcomes the spirits of their dead ancestors to establish a connection with them. It is very similar to some other festival of other cultures as well like of Mexico's Day of the Dead and their neighbours China's Spirit or Ghost Festival.
So it is a festival cherishing the nature of death and that's why it is very fascinating for people to observe. However it not all creepy as most of the festival is filled with many fun activities.
| Event | Obon Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | August 13, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | Traditional Festival of Japan |
| Observed by | Japan |
Obon Festival History:
Obon or Bon Festival is a 500 year old Buddisht tradition of honouring the ancestors. And it has it's origins in India. The word 'Obon' itself is derived from the Sanskrit term 'Ullambana' which means 'to hang upside down'.
There's a very popular legend associated with the origins of Obon. It all started with a Buddhist Monk named Mogallana, who could see into afterlife, prevented his mother going to hell by making offerings to other monks. So by this having attained redemption on behalf of his mother. On achieving it Mogallana started dancing in joy and others joined him too and thus formed a big circle of people. This dance form came to be known as the Bon Odori dance and remains an integral part of this festival even today.
Well although this is a very popular story but it is not the only story regarding it's origins there are many other stories which are very similar like there is one with Buddha disciple Mokuren which is also about saving his mother from the realm of Hungry Ghosts. And it is also said that this festival is heavily inspired from the Hungry Ghost festival of China.
And this festival became a huge hit among the people in Japan. It was by the 17th Century that the practice of Butsudan became popular in Japan which is the tradition of having a family altar in home and this thing became a commonplace in Japanese homes at that time.
Obon Festival Significance:
Obon Festival is often gets compared with Halloween in the west but there is one major difference as it is not about warding off spirits or ghosts but instead it is a festival in which the Japanese people welcomes the spirits of their dead ancestors by offering them with delicious meal and bon odori dance.
And this festival holds a very large significance in Japan. Although it is not a public holiday declared by the government but it is customary to be given leave for all the people on this day.
This festival is very important for Japanese because of the symbolism behind it. As on this day the people are still taking care of their ancestors by communicating with them and also learning various things about it. And that's why this festival is also known as the festival of souls as people tries to make a connection to their ancestors should and also tries to keep them happy in their afterlife by offering them many things.
The festival is popular all over Japan today but the most grand celebrations regarding it you can observe in Shikoko, Kyoto, Hokaido and Nagasaki cities of Japan. Outside Japan this festival is also celebrated worldwide by the Japanese communities especially in the United States and Brazil.
Obon Festival Celebrations:
On this day the Japanese do all they can to please the spirits of their ancestors like they prepare various types of delicacies and performs the Bon Odori dance for them. Many also lies to visit the tombstones of their ancestors or dead family members and polishes their surface. They also offers various things to their graves such as flowers, candles, incense sticks and fruits.
Otherwise there are also many rituals related associated with this festival like Obon Iri where people set up lanterns and this is followed by Mukaebi which refers to the welcoming fire which guides the spirits of ancestors to come home. Then there is Obun Ake or Okuribon under this ritual ceremonial services are held for the deceased. And the final ritual is Okuribi in which people float lanterns or release them into the sky in order to free the spirits of their ancestors to be returned.
In modern times however the festival is not just limited to these rituals but they are a lot more than that, especially they are famous for their bonfires in which the people performs the Bon Odori dance and enjoys a great time. The biggest bonfire in Japan during this time is organized by Kyoto over the Daimonji mountains. Along with these people does various things like wearing traditional dresses, eating delicious meals, singing, live performances, etc. It is actually very fun time in the major cities of Japan as well.
Most Searched FAQs on Obon Festival:
1. When is Obon Festival is celebrated?
Obon Festival is celebrated annually on the 13th to 15th day of the seventh lunar month of the Japanese calendar.
2. What is Obon Festival celebrated for?
The Obon Festival is celebrated in order to honour the ancestors.
3. Which country celebrates Obon Festival?
Obon Festival is a 500 year old Buddhist tradition celebrated in Japan.