All are welcome to participate in Lahaina Jodo Mission’s O-Bon Festival on Saturday, July 1. PHOTO BY ATSUKO SEKIGUCHI.

LAHAINA — O-Bon is a Buddhist religious celebration held throughout the summer at Buddhist temples around the island.

This annual observance remembers and honors our departed loved ones and ancestors and represents a time to express our gratitude to them.

Lahaina Jodo Mission welcomes its first public O-Bon Festival since the pandemic. The festival will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, with the service beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by the floating lanterns ceremony around 7:30 p.m., Taiko offering by Maui Taiko in the temple courtyard, and Bon Dance from around 8 p.m.

If you don’t have a lantern and would like to offer a special prayer for your departed loved one(s) during the floating lanterns ceremony, please come to the temple before 7 p.m. to be part of the community lantern.

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

All are welcome to join the festivities. For more information, contact Lahaina Jodo Mission at (808) 661-4304 or lahainajodomission@gmail.com.