Hundreds of people took in Bon Odori, the midsummer celebration of color and song Saturday, welcoming back the departed with dancing, drumming and feasting at the White River Buddhist Temple on Auburn Way North.

For Buddhists, O-Bon is the time to reflect upon the dedicated lives of departed ancestors who made present lives possible. To celebrate, Bon Odori is a festival, in which young and old come together to dance, rejoice and remember their ancestors, family and friends.

Participants wear brightly colored kimonos, yukatas and happi coats as they dance to traditional music.