Obon, or Bon, is a significant Japanese Buddhist festival observed in Japan from August 13 to 15 every year. The festival, which has been celebrated for over 500 years, originally took place on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month before transitioning to the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ullambana,” meaning “hanging upside down,” which relates to a story of a Buddha disciple who sought to help his deceased mother suffering in the realm of Hungry Ghosts. During Obon, families reunite and often visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. A notable tradition of the festival is the Bon Odori, or Bon dance, performed only during these three days, with variations seen across different regions of Japan.