Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival - Melbourne
Direct Phone Number : (03) 9314 5147
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Proudly presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (FGS) and Buddha s Light International Victoria (BLIA VIC), Buddha s Day and Multicultural Festival is a truly unique annual event which celebrates Melbourne s diverse multicultural society.
Running over two days, the Buddha s Day and Multicultural Festival begins in the heart of Melbourne, at Federation Square.
The Festival commemorates the birth of the Buddha, one of the most significant days of the Buddhist calendar, and highlights and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in our inclusive and culturally diverse community.
The Festival incorporates the traditions of Buddhist ceremony including the 'Bathing of the Buddha', daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings; a vegetarian culinary tour of Asia along the River Terrace and cooking demonstrations; cultural dance and performances from around the globe; cultural demonstrations in BMW Edge; music; art and craft, community service groups providing information and assistance; and special activities and programs for children at ArtPlay.
A festival for mind, body and spirit.
The 2009 Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival is proudly sponsored by the City of Melbourne, Federation Square and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Special events include:
* The Ch an of Tea, Flower and Music a free program of demonstrations by Ikebana International, Ch an Tea Ceremony with traditional Gu Zheng Music, the Fo Guang Shan Dharma Talk The Way to Happiness and Ch an Meditation (BMW Edge, see website for further details)
* Baby Blessing Ceremony for children under the age of five - [prior registration essential see website], (Saturday 16th, 2pm, BMW Edge)
* The Bodhi Tree Field of Enlightenment, participative art installation, St Paul s Court
* Share Tea with Me Ch an Tea Ceremony for Children, ArtPlay (bookings essential)
* Tai Chi for the Family workshops with Mark Mayers of Elixir Fields, ArtPlay
* An Interfaith Prayer Ceremony: The Sharing of Wisdom (Saturday 16th, 1pm, Buddha s Stage)
* Annual World Peace Blessing Ceremony (10am Sunday 17th - Buddha's Stage)
* Vegi-licious - The Karma of Being Vegetarian cooking demonstrations (River Terrace)
* Sacred Songs - A Multifaith/Multicultural Concert (Sat 16th, 6.30pm BMW Edge)
* Multifaith Multicultural Youth Forum (Sat 16th, 10am, BMW Edge)