Buddha's Birth Day Festival

Buddha's Birth Day Festival

Sat 12^th April, 11 am to 9 pm & Sun 13^th April 2008, 9 am to 6 pm

Supreme Court Gardens

Fo Guang Shan Temple of WA (IBAWA) and the Buddha's Light International Association of WA (BLIAWA) welcome you to join in the celebration of the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, who was born over 2,500 years ago in Northern India as Prince Siddhartha.

There is much for everyone to see and do throughout the 2-day event. Bathing of the Buddha ritual, making offerings, exhibition of the Buddha's birthplace, meditation sessions, multicultural vegetarian food & entertainment, art & craft and children's rides are just some of the many features of the event. Please see attached for event details and program.

Under the generous sponsorship of the City of Perth, this event aims to promote peace and harmony in our society and multi-faith interaction amongst people from diverse backgrounds. It also serves as an opportunity for the public to develop an understanding of Buddhism by "bringing the temple to the people". Through the varied activities, it is hoped that every visitor is able to develop a better understanding, learn about other cultures, gain new experiences, enjoy our warmth and friendliness or simply be entertained and have a fun day out

Special Highlights:

Bathing of the Buddha

Since ancient times, Buddhists all over the world mark this auspicious occasion by using fragrant water to bathe the image of Buddha, as it is believed that when the infant prince was born, purified water cascaded down to bathe him. The significance of the act as we pour the fragrant water over the statue of the infant Buddha is to cleanse our body, speech and thoughts to eradicate anger, greed and ignorance in order to purify our minds to cultivate merits and wisdom. Everyone is welcome to participate freely in this ritual at the Buddha's Pavilion open throughout the day.

Saturday 12^th April at 6 pm, Multi-faith Prayer for Peace Ceremony

Representatives from diverse faith groups take turns to say a prayer, while every person in the gathering has the opportunity to light a candle, to reflect and unite as one in wishing for peace and harmony in our society and the world at large. Enjoy an hour of music and songs celebrating love, hope and faith for all beings, concluding with the burst of fireworks at 7.30 pm.

Sunday 13^th April at 10 am, Official Ceremony

The Chinese lion dance display heralds the start of the ceremony, to be followed by BLIAWA members making offerings to the Buddha and a short blessing service, including the bathing of the Buddha ritual. Invited guests include government officials and representatives from various organizations. The public is also welcome to witness this grand ceremony to be held at the Buddha's Pavilion.

Entry is free, all are welcome