From 28 January to 2 February, Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple hosted Lunar New Year celebrations that brought together nearly 2,000 locals. On the first day of the new year, Wollongong Deputy Mayor Linda Campbell paid a special visit to the temple, where she joined Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand, for the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony. The Deputy Mayor remarked that the Year of the Snake represents happiness, energy, prosperity, and good fortune. She also commended Nan Tien Temple as a key multicultural hub, recognising its ongoing commitment to foster a harmonious community. 

Lunar New Year's Eve Night Market: A Celebration of Vegetarian Culture

The Lunar New Year's Eve night market was a vibrant mix of blessing ceremonies, multicultural performances, and eco-friendly vegetarian food, highlighting the beauty of multiculturalism in Oceania. The event also featured a starlit Hanfu parade, encouraging visitors to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the temple in traditional Han Chinese clothing—a wonderful way to share and preserve this rich cultural heritage.

Welcoming New Beginnings with Family Gathering and Blessing Ceremony

During Lunar New Year, visitors from all walks of life brought a wonderful mix of cultures to the festivities. The lively lion dance brought blessings and added to the festive cheer. Red envelopes filled with prayer beads and dharma words from Venerable Master Hsing Yun were handed out. Ten Thousand Buddhas ceremony was also held, with the ringing of the Peace Bell, symbolising hopes for happy families, a harmonious society, and world peace. At the Nan Tien Art Gallery, interactive workshops such as mindful lion colouring, Chinese paper cutting, and traditional New Year printmaking offered a wonderful opportunity to experience and appreciate Eastern cultural heritage. Together, everyone welcomed the Year of the Snake with joy.