Buddha Birthday Festival celebrated in Chung Tian Temple

Brisbane,May 7 (MCCQ Newsdesk, Media Release)

Since 1991, the Buddha Birth Day Festival has become one of Queensland’s most notable cultural events and is recognised for promoting peace, as well as celebrating Australia’s harmony and diversity.

The 2024 Buddha Birth Day Festival celebrations continued at Chung Tian Temple and provided visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of ceremonies and activities from the spiritual to the cultural, such as tea meditation, Buddhist talks, a Baby

Blessing and multicultural performances.

There were wonderful performances at the 2024 Buddha Birth Day Festival hosted by the Buddha’s Light International Association of Qld, Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Temple and the Chung Tian Chinese School of Qld.

At the festival there were traditional rituals that were performed. One of such rituals is the bathing of the buddha statue.

Buddhists all around the world celebrate the Buddha’s birthday by using fragrant water the holy water to bathe the statue of the infant Buddha- the hindu king Prince Siddhartha.

The act of pouring fragrant water often done three times over the shoulder of the infant Buddha holds much significance as it symbolises the purification of our body, speech and mind to cultivate wisdom.

The universal message is that, “it is easy to wash away physical dirt, but much more difficult to cleanse one’s inner impurities of anger, greed and ignorance.”

Followers of buddhism took part in this meaningful ritual by following the steps to bathe the Buddha at the festival.

Chanting of the prayer “May I eliminate evil thoughts, May I cultivate good deeds, May I be of benefit to all sentient beings.” was heard all around as devotees religiously bathed the idol of buddha.

Apart from the Bathing of Buddha there were quiet a few activities that were planned for the three day fastival. From vegetarian feasts to mesmerizing Dragon and Lion Dances, the serene elegance of Lei Cha Ceremony and the rich traditions of Chinese Tea to laser light shows, there was something for everyone. With over 150 events and 1,100 enthusiastic volunteers, the festival buzzed with excitement.

The Saturday night’s dazzling laser show honouring Buddha’s legacy and spreading joy was just an amazing experience.

The festival promotes sustainability and well-being and leaves your worries behind, immersing yourself in peace and harmony. Definitely a must attend if you never have.