2025 Midwest Bon Odori Festival Event: Celebrate Bon Odori and Honor Ancestors at Midwest Buddhist Temple (Saturday) NEW

Bon Odori & Obon Service at MBT - A Joyful Tribute to Our Ancestors
Join us for Bon Odori and Obon/Hatsubon services at Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) this July. This annual celebration honors our ancestors through joyful dance, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Whether you're new to Bon Odori or a longtime participant, everyone is welcome to take part in this meaningful cultural tradition.

Bon Odori Date
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Time
8:00 pm

Location: MBT Parking Lot
Celebrate through dance as the MBT Minyo Group leads us in traditional Bon Odori. Open to all-no experience needed. Come early to enjoy the atmosphere, connect with friends, and soak in the spirit of the evening.

Obon & Hatsubon Service
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: In-Person at MBT and on Zoom

Obon, also known as Kangi-e (Gathering of Joy), is a time to reflect on the lives of those who came before us. The service is especially meaningful for Hatsubon families observing their first Obon after the loss of a loved one.

Obon Dance Practices
Location: MBT Social Hall
• June 30 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 2 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 3 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 8 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
• July 10 - 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Free and open to all. No registration required.

Memorial Candles
Light a candle in memory of your loved one. A $10 donation places their name on a candle displayed during Bon Odori and the Obon/Hatsubon service.
Deadline to register: July 7

Practices, Bon Odori, Ginza

Midwest Festival, Bon Odori & Practices


Obon History
Its origin is linked to the Ullambana-sutra that tells the story of Mogallana, one of the great disciples of the Buddha. In this story, Mogallana sees his departed mother suffering in the fiery domain of the Hungry Devils, a domain where hunger and thirst know no bounds.

Everything that is touched immediately bursts into flames.

Grieving at what he sees, he attempts to relieve her suffering but his attempts to relieve her suffering are futile. In desperation, he goes to the Buddha and the All Compassionate One shows him the way.

Following the path shown him, he finally succeeds. He and his friends rejoice, expressing their joy and gratitude with music and dancing.

The Bon Odori is symbolic of that occasion. It is a time of rejoicing and expressing gratitude in the same manner as did Mogallana and his friends. This is the tradition of the Obon.

Event Title
Midwest Buddhist Temple Obon Odori Festival of Lights - Midwest Buddhist Temple

Event Location
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 West Menomonee Street, Chicago, IL 60614

#BonOdori #ObonFestival #Hatsubon #MBTChicago #MidwestBuddhistTemple #ObonDance #JapaneseTradition #HonorAncestors #BuddhistFestival #Obon2025 #ChicagoEvents #BonOdori2025 #CulturalFestival #MinyoDance #JodoShinshu #MBTEvents