The Japanese Festival of the Dead: Obon - World Religion News

July 15, 2016
Rituals and traditions of the Buddhist Obon Festival. Obon or Bon is the Japanese festival celebrated to honor the dead and spirits of their ancestors. It is the equivalent of the Western or Christian’s All Soul’s Day except that Obon is a 3 day celebration and is marked by numerous religious and festive activities. Based on tradition, the festivity falls on the 13th to 15th day of the lunar calendar (August 13-15) but other regions, particularly those using the modern Gregorian calendar like Tokyo, will observe Obon on July 13-15. Though it’s not an official national holiday, many companies and businesses are closed allowing their employees to take a leave, be with their family and celebrate.

Source: The Japanese Festival of the Dead: Obon - World Religion News