Source: East-West Ministries, August 2022
Obon is an annual Buddhist celebration in which families, especially Japanese Buddhists, honor the return of their ancestors’ spirits to the mortal realm. Celebrated for hundreds of years, Obon is also known as Ghost Festival, Festival of Souls, or Festival of Lanterns. Buddhist temples schedule Obon celebrations during the summer months, and the event lasts three days.
Obon is rooted in the story of a monk freeing his mother from the hungry ghosts. The celebration commemorates all deceased ancestors and welcomes them back to Earth. The event includes a special dance and the lighting of lanterns.
During Obon, Buddhists reunite with family and friends to remember those who have passed. The festival is recognized in Japanese communities worldwide. Every Buddhist temple celebrates Obon uniquely, but fireworks, dancing, carnival games, and local food are often a part of the celebration.
The full article includes more detail and gets into ways you can use Obon to share the gospel. Note that this year Obon was observed August 13-15 or thereabouts (we see conflicting reports). See also a description of the Obon Festival from National Today.
August included another holiday you should know about, a big deal for Shiite Muslims. Watch a video from an Ashura procession in Melbourne, Australia (Musawi Films on YouTube, 23 minutes) or read more about the meaning of Ashura (Religion News Service).