The Feast of Lanterns, better known as the 'Bon' or 'Urabon'
festival is a traditional Japanese Buddhist celebration dedicated to the spirits
of ancestors and deceased loved ones. Dating back to the late Heian (794 - 1185)
and Kamakura (1185 - 1333) period, the festival is celebrated on the 15th of
July according to the lunar calendar. It is said that during this time of year,
the lid of the iron pot of hell is lifted to allow spirits to return home and to
be among the living. To guide the spirit of a deceased loved one home it is
customary in Japan to adorn one's house with lanterns. Food is also laid out and
prayers are made at temples or privately at home for the departed.
Despite its association with the dead, the Bon Festival is still a colourful
occasion especially on the evening of the 15th when the Memorial Dance, Bon
Odori is performed. This traditional religious dance originates from a story of
a Buddhist disciple called Moggalana, who envisioned his deceased mother in the
realm of the hungry ghosts where she was being punished for her selfishness.
Saddened by this, he asked Buddha how he could release his mother from her
torment. Buddha advised his disciple to perform some charitable acts in memory
of his mother. The disciple did this and so his mother was released. He also
began to see the nature of her past selfishness and the many sacrifices that she
made for him. The disciple, delighted of his mother's release and grateful for
her kindness, danced with joy. And from this dance evolved Bon Odori. Bon Odori
is also celebrated in Penang but on a much smaller scale. Held on the 20th of
July this year at the spacious Esplanade field, the annual dance has little
affinity with Buddhism and
is enjoyed more as a folk dance by the general public. Nevertheless, it still
promises a fun time for all ages.
Similar to its place of origin, participants dress up in traditional Japanese
kimonos, hopi coats (short coat styled like a kimono top) or yukata (cotton
kimonos) and will perform a wa-odori (circle dance) around a yagura (platform),
sometimes carrying fans, castanets or cotton towels. The dance will go on all
through the evening with occasional interludes of band music and cultural
performances. Not to be missed is the taiko performance by a group of enigmatic
traditional drummers from Japan.
Adding to the carnival-like atmosphere, there is also a wide selection of stalls
offering games, handicrafts and food ranging from Japanese delicacies to hawker
fair. All and all, it'll be an evening to remember for all ages.
