Obon is an important Buddhist-Confucian holiday celebrated by people of Japanese ancestry all over the world. It typically takes place during the summer months of July and August and marks the traditional belief that the spirits of one’s ancestors come back to visit their living relatives during this time. The festival usually includes a variety of activities such as bonfires, parades, dances, feasts, and other rituals related to ancestor worship. Regional differences in celebrating O Bon exist, but some common elements remain throughout all regions such as setting up altars with offerings (food items), lighting incense sticks/lanterns around homes/streets etc., participating in parades/dances known as "Bon Odori" etc.. The main purpose behind celebrating Obon is to honor one’s ancestors and reflect upon life itself.