Obon is a period of worshiping one's ancestors. We enter Nirvana with our ancestors during this period. In most areas, it is from August 13 to August 16.

The 13th is a Lantern Festival bonfire day. At first, a family usually goes for a visit to a grave all together in the morning. From the 14th to the 15th, they go for a visit to a grave once again. They meet a priest on this day and they chant sutra.

The 16th is a day to send our ancestors' spirits back. Because they are in our home until the morning, spirits accept an offering. We burn a "farewell spirits" bonfire.

We send the spirits away with the feeling "that we will meet next year".

Ohashi Masashi