Help us celebrate Buddha’s Birthday!
Buddha’s birth is a time of great happiness for many around the world. This year we celebrate Vesak with a free, family friendly festival over the Easter long weekend (April Friday 15th to Monday 18th )
BATHING OF THE BUDDHA:
We welcome everyone to join in this tradition! The Bathing of the Buddha Ceremony involves pouring a ladle of fragrant water over a statue of the young Buddha (Prince Siddhartha). As the water washes away dirt from the body, it reminds us how we must also CLEANSE OUR MINDS of anger, greed and ignorance.
BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY BLESSING & CHANTING CEREMONY
Join the Venerables in this special service to receive the blessings.
Vegetarian Food Fair:
Whilst you enjoy all the sights and sounds of the Festival, you are bound to get hungry! Luckily, our vegetarian food fair provides tasty and affordable meals and snacks. Peruse the stalls and sample freshly made treats.
Children’s Games and Treasure Hunt:
Once at the Temple, you can take our Treasure Map. Your children will have a blast exploring the Temple and completing the fun tasks needed to claim their treasure!
CREATIVE ART ACTIVITIES:
There will be a variety of workshops for those wishing to express themselves artistically. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or expert, just bring your imagination and a smile!
BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY EXHIBITION:
In honour of Prince Siddhartha’s birthplace, we will present a special Lumbini Garden display. This beautiful garden was where the future Buddha was born! There will also be a mural wall chronicling the amazing life of Prince Siddhartha and how his journey resulted in him becoming the Buddha, the Awakened One.
BABY BLESSING: Saturday 16th April
Our Baby Blessing Ceremony is an opportunity to bless your child(ren) under the protection and guidance of the Buddha so they may live a happy, healthy and fulfilled life. Born with true Buddha nature, we pray that your child will realise that nature during their lifetime and live in peace and harmony. There is also a blessing for expectant Mums as well!
CHILDREN’S MULTICULTURAL CONCERT: Monday 18th April
Celebrate this joyous occasion through song and music from diverse cultures! This children’s concert features some of the finest young artists from Sydney and NSW and abides by one of the central values of Humanistic Buddhism—that of inclusivity and universal acceptance regardless of gender, race, creed and class.
We hope that this performance brings light, love and peace into the hearts of everyone present while instilling a sense of hope for the future. All tickets proceeds will be donated to the children's charity, Barnardos - Illawarra.