Attendees form a Bon Dance ring at Lahaina Jodo Mission. PHOTO BY JEREMY OTA.

LAHAINA – Lahaina Jodo Mission will celebrate its annual O-Bon Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 5-6.

Held throughout the summer at Buddhist temples around the islands, the O-Bon Festival is a Japanese cultural and religious observance to honor departed loved ones. All are welcome to join the festivities.

On Friday, a service to honor departed loved ones will be observed from 6:30 p.m. This evening will be a service only.

On Saturday, the O-Bon service begins again at 6:30 p.m., followed by the floating lanterns procession and ceremony around 7:30 p.m.

Maui Taiko will perform in the temple courtyard during the floating lanterns ceremony. The Bon Dance will start around 8 p.m.

Food concessions will open at 5:30 p.m. with local favorites, including rolled sushi, chow fun, nishime, teriyaki beef plate and shave ice. Keiki game concessions will also be open.

For more information, call 661-4304.