'Why now,' participants ask on Bon Odori ban after 40 years

Every year in July for the past 40 years, Malaysia never fails to celebrate the Bon Odori Festival, a religious ceremony that has flourished in Japan for over 500 years.

The festival reunites family and friends and is considered one of the most important festivals in Japanese society.

However, a study conducted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) found that...