Celebration: Lanterns blow in the breeze at dusk, as Buddhists in Shepparton come together to mark the most important day on their calendar.
Photo by
Liz Arcus
The Queens Gardens are set to be lit up with lanterns for the seventh year, as Shepparton’s Buddhist community celebrates the Vesak Festival.
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The festival will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday, May 28, with prayers and meditations led by Buddhist monks, as well as a lantern and candle lighting ceremony.
Glowing: Candles and incense set the scene.
Photo by
Liz Arcus
“We invite anyone to come and join us, it’s a great way of showcasing who we are,” Buddhist Association of the Goulburn Valley founder and president Sam Atukorala said.
“It’s not only for the Buddhist community, it is for everyone to enjoy.”
This year the Buddhist community of Shepparton will be conducting a blessing for emergency workers to show gratitude for their hard work during the pandemic.
“We want to bless the emergency services who worked so hard for us to be able to have this event,” Mr Atukorala said.
Millions of Buddhists worldwide celebrated Vesak on Sunday, May 15.
“Vesak is the most important Buddhist festival held on the full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May annually,” Mr Atukorala said.
The day is an officially recognised United Nations observance that commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
The event is supported by Greater Shepparton City Council, Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, People Supporting People, Shepparton Interfaith Network and the local Buddhist community.
Peaceful setting: Buddhist Association of the Goulburn Valley founder and president Sam Atukorala at Vesak 2021.
Photo by
Liz Arcus
• For further information contact Sam Atukorala on 5831 2395.
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