Reverend Ellen Crane discusses: why do we have Obon? Obon is a special celebration within Buddhism, most popularly identified by its Bon-Odori (盆踊り: Bon dance). The festival itself and the dance both honor those who have lived (and passed) before us. We honor their contributions to the "causes and conditions" that brought us to where we are today, and join with them, in memory, and in Namo Amida Butsu.