Obon, a traditional Japanese event held in summer, is primarily rooted in the Buddhist festival of Urabon-e, which aims to honor and commemorate one's ancestors. The term "Obon" originates from the Sanskrit word "Ullambana," meaning "hanging upside down," symbolizing the suffering of spirits. The festival's inception is attributed to the story of Mokuren, a disciple of Buddha, who performed rituals to save his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts, thus achieving her salvation. Obon is observed at different times depending on the region, typically around July 15th in Tokyo and mid-August nationwide. Key rituals during Obon include lighting fires to welcome and send off ancestral spirits, visiting graves to pay respects, and offering fruits, sweets, and incense at home altars and gravesites. This period is not only a time to honor ancestors but also to deepen family bonds and follow long-standing traditions.