Life in a Full Circle: Obon

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Few blogs prior to this one, I wrote on one of Japan's matsuri(check the link!!). This blog is going to be focused on another very significant tradition, the Obon!!
About Obon 

 The Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honour the spirits of one's ancestors. Obon is a three day period which takes place around August 15th each year. During these three days, everybody goes back to their ancestral house and visit and clean their ancestors's graves(this is called "Ohakamairi") The spirits then enter the house riding on a horse(so as to arrive fast) and feast along with the family. 

Image result for obonAfter an enjoyable three day period, the spirits leave riding on a cow, so as to go slowly back to their own realm. Though Obon takes place all over Japan, Kyoto's Gozan No Okuribi and lanterns along the Sasebo river(marking Obon) are prominent. Obon has been celebrated for over 500 years now and is one of Japan's oldest cultural traditions.

Fun Fact
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On the day after the three day Obon period, people walk up and down the streets clanking bells. This is done so that the remaining spirits which have stayed back, have to leave and join the other spirits. Interesting, isn't it?

Striking similarities between Japanese and Indian cultures

When I first heard of the Obon tradition in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised. In India, we have a very similar ritual as well!! Our tradition is called "Bali". Every year during the month of Karkkidakam(July-August) on the new moon day, we give Bali, which is we offer food to our ancestors and perform a set of rituals so as to please them. Also, the word Obon is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ullambhana" meaning upside-down referring to the spirits hanging upside-down!! Do you see the closeness between the two cultures😊

The Bon Odori

The Bon Odori is the traditional dance accompanying Obon. This traditional dance is very popular and is performed and watched by masses throughout the three days. The most famous Bon Odori is the Awa Odori which occurs in Tokushima.

Soaking in the Asakusa Toro Nagashi

The "Asakusa Toro Nagashi", or the Asakusa Lantern festival takes place in the historic suburb of Asakusa. Candles are lit and are then placed inside paper lanterns. These lanterns are placed in the Sumida river and signifies spirits traveling from Earth back to their plane. This makes a magnificent sight for the eyes and hence, my family and I decided to see this wonderful spectacle for ourselves. 

We reached Asakusa at around 7 in the night. I was elated when the first lamps started flowing along the river. Soon a multitude of lamps joined in; it really seemed like the spirits were returning together. As the lamps got closer, there was only one thought running in my head, Wow!! The contrasting blend between the colours of the dark night sky, the golden light emanating from the lanterns and silky Sumida river was just mind-boggling. After an unbelievable hour, we returned back home.

To summarize, Obon is a tradition infused with dance, fun and most importantly, repaying the ancestors who have done many things for us. Personally, Obon is one of my favourite picks when it come to Japanese culture and I am sure it is yours too😃

Comments

  1. JayaprakashAugust 13, 2019 at 2:52 PM

    Most of the companies give a week long vacation. Many people return to their ancestral home while some go for trips overseas.

    Thanks for the information packed-blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ShyamMAugust 13, 2019 at 6:22 PM

    Way bk in 1998, I had the privilege to visit Tokushima and participate in Awa Odori. It was a memorable experience.

    ReplyDelete

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