FGS South Island NZ Creative Light and Art Show brightens up the Hearts of Christchurch Residents
On 14th February, Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, had a confirmed Covid-19 case with a family of three infected. As a result, Auckland was put on Level 3 lockdown at 11.59pm that night, while other areas around New Zealand were put on alert Level 2 which requires physical distancing and a limit of 100 people in social gatherings.
That Sunday was the last day of the FGS South Island NZ’s 2021 Light and Art Show and the Covid alert notice did not dampen the public's interest to come and see the lights, with 77 people attending. Most of the crowd believed that Christchurch was still a safe area, so they came to enjoy the lights before the light show concluded, hoping that the Buddha's light would brighten their hearts and bring warmth to the community.
Mitchell Andrews, who lives nearby, was attracted by the lights and attended the opening of the light show last month. He was so impressed by the unique display of lights that he brought his friend Finn Fidlen to experience light show too before it ended. Another visitor, Fiona Kiwi, attended the Chinese New Year celebrations on the second day of the Lunar New Year and she came with her friends to see the lights the next day. She thought that the light show was a great way to add more colour to the New Year's activities and was glad that a local like her could participate in this celebration that includes many cultural and artistic elements. Nick Bromhead, visitor from the UK, made some flower offerings to the Buddha in the main shrine on Chinese New Year's Eve to show his respect to the Buddha. Nick has always been a great admirer of Buddhism and found the light show to be a very creative way to draw the public closer to the temple.
The 2021 Light and Art Show attracted about 2,500 people across Christchurch since it started on 9 January. Most of the visitors were from the neighbourhood or passers-by attracted by the lights, while others learned about the event via social media or from the temple's posters. Some visitors were so impressed by the light show last year that they decided to visit again this year. Everyone thanked the temple for their dedication in organizing the light show and through the joy of watching the light show, we look forward to the new year with great anticipation.