I don't understand customs such as Ohigan or Obon

　This year, Japanese society was affected by the novel coronavirus infection, and normal things cannot be done normally. The same goes for temples. Regular annual memorial services have been postponed or canceled. Even if it was an annual memorial service, I think there were cases where people were forced to refrain from doing memorial services, similar to refraining from going out.
If you search for sites that explain the sayings and events of Obon and Ohigan, I think there are quite a few. This does not necessarily apply to the customs of your area or events held at the family temple. I think there are also websites that explain local customs and Obon events. However, the details of the events are not necessarily the same depending on each temple. If you don't understand, I think it's important to ask the family temple.
Our temple is Obon in August, and we are sending out this year's Obon guide a few days in advance. However, in order to prevent infection, the details of the information have been slightly changed. I think Ah-tan also received a notification from the family temple. I think there were changes this year in particular depending on regional conditions and the timing of the event. It would be impossible for people from other regions to give accurate answers.
It is said that “notifications will come on the New Bon Festival and the equinox,” but I think there is a difference between the previous year's notifications and this year's notifications. I think there is no choice but to ask Bodaiji about this too.

It's the 23rd anniversary of my grandfather's death, and I think it was quite difficult to do it in April, the day of his death. There are cases where opinions are divided depending on the individual temple as to whether it is OK to go in conjunction with the first anniversary. (There is also a way of thinking that it is inappropriate to hold the 49th, 100ka-day, and 1st anniversary memorial services together with other annual memorial services.) I think it would be a good idea to talk to the family temple, saying, “I wasn't able to celebrate my 23rd anniversary in April, but I'd like to do a memorial service together for my father's first anniversary.”

　Thank you for your question. The 1st anniversary and the 23rd anniversary are refrained from being held at the same time, but only prayers are held on the 1st anniversary, and there are cases where the 23rd anniversary is performed in the form of a memorial service and there are cases where a memorial service is held the following year, but (in the case of the Jodo Shinshu sect), it's a situation where only prayers are prayed due to COVID-19. In the Jodo Shinshu sect, it is often said that when you pray at a temple during Obon, your ancestors come back. Also, during Obon, in the Jodo Shinshu sect, people pray at temples and graves, but after all, I feel that it is important to be thankful for our ancestors and that we pray because there is little connection with which we usually pray. Gassho

　It's tough. Please take care of yourself.
There are customs for the anniversary memorial service depending on the family temple and region, but what do I want to do first? I would like it to be clarified. Even when I discuss the death of the year with believers, they say “in this region” even when referring to my temple's policy. I really don't think there is a right answer to walking alone for religious events. So what do we want from each other? I think there is no choice but to express opinions and come to terms. The chief minister and temple caretaker. What happened last time to a close friend from the same family temple? I think it would be good to ask what to do in such a case. And finally, let's talk to the family temple. If it's far away, you can call us, etc., so let's talk about it.
Since it is a time of self-restraint due to infectious diseases, I think the memorial service can be organized as organized as possible.

When memorial services overlap in the same year
Separately until the 7th anniversary
After the 13th death, they often work on the same date and time.
If you have distant or elderly relatives
We usually work together, don't we?

If you tell the family's convenience to the family
they'll take that into consideration as much as possible
Please do not hesitate to contact the family temple.