Nan Tien Cultural Festival
>>>2021 Cultural Festival Timetable<<<
It is that time of year again! Our Annual Cultural Festival is coming up and YOU are invited!
This family friendly event is a celebration of our multicultural community and includes a variety of activities, performances and cuisine from all over the world. Engaging all of the senses, this culturally-rich tradition has been held since 1996 and this year’s will be as fabulous as ever!
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS:
WHEN: Friday 25th Dec - Sunday 2nd Jan
WHAT’S ON: We bring together different cultures through performing arts, crafts, vegetarian food, exhibitions, entertainment for the children, film screenings and much more! (Please check for timetable which will be added shortly)
HIGHLIGHTS:
New Year’s Eve - Light Offering, Sounding the Bell of Peace
Welcome the New Year in a truly auspicious way! At midnight, visitors are welcome to sound the Bell of Peace. With each strike made with a sincere heart, it is wished that those who hear it are brought comfort and peace.
New Year’s Day - Lion Dance
No Chinese festivity is complete without a spectacular Lion Dance! An absolute favourite with children and adults alike, the dance consists of two performers operating a colorful Lion. Drummers accompany the show to provide rhythm and further drama.
25th, 26th Dec & 1st, 2nd Jan - Multicultural Performances
Throughout the festival we will showcase many local performers to keep you entertained. As well as traditional Chinese music, song and dance, we are proud to introduce performers from other cultures!
Buddhism Book Fair
Whether you have a newly developed interest in Buddhism or are an experienced practitioner, this book fair will have titles to suit everyone.
Chinese Calligraphy
Learn about this ancient art form which has origins dating back more than 2,000 years. Whilst practicing Chinese Calligraphy you will learn how to read, pronounce and write Mandarin. So be mindful and concentrate on the positive messages!
Wishing Tree and Happy Buddha
Popular attractions at Nan Tien festivals are our Wishing Tree and Happy Buddha Display. A statue of the ever smiling “Happy Buddha” (or Matreya Bodhisattva) sits watching over our gold-leaved Wishing Tree. Make a wish as you throw an auspicious red ribbon and Chinese coin upon the golden branches! Afterwards you can take a photo with Happy Buddha!
Arts, Craft and Market Stalls
During the Cultural Festival there will be many different things to keep you occupied! Enjoy hands-on activities such as painting your own Chinese Lantern to browsing local stall holders' wares.
One Stroke Calligraphy
Marvel at the One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition, where Master Hsing Yun (founder of Fo Guang Shan and Nan Tien temple) has completed his Dharma words without sight. At 88 years old, Master Hsing Yun has developed cataracts, depleting his ability to see. However, through mindfulness, he is able to continue to complete beautiful Chinese Calligraphy. By altering the pressure of his brush he eliminates the need to remove the pen to another space on the page, thus completing the characters in “one stroke”.
Vegetarian Food Fair
Whilst you enjoy all the sights and sounds of the Cultural Festival, you are bound to get hungry! Luckily, our vegetarian food fair provides tasty and affordable meals and snacks. Vegetarian food isn’t boring! Peruse the stalls and sample freshly made treats Including piping-hot noodles. Drinks are available for purchase too.
We hope you can join us!
For further details, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]