FGS South Island Chinese New Year Carnival

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand held a carnival on February 9th & 10th 2013 Welcoming in The Lunar Calendar Year of the Snake. As the temple was undergoing some repair and not available, in order not to disappoint the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island members and the public, they decided to organise an outdoor New Year blessing for the first time and celebrate this grand event together.

In the two-day event, Venerable Jue Xi and Venerable Miao Yu recited sutra and prayers for the well-being of the public. They also gave everyone a Chinese New Year auspicious packet. Venerable Jue Xi said that New Year’s Eve signified the day of reunion. We should change all our bad habits of the past and wish for a good start in the New Year. The carnival offered a variety of exquisite Fo Guang delicacies, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s master pieces in Chinese and English; auspicious incense, flowers and lamps for the purpose of worshipping and making wishes. Also the public could write down their wishes and hang them on a lovely special tree.

The highlights of the carnival were Tai-chi and swordplay performance by Chinese Martial Arts champion Dave; Shao-lin Martial Kung fu. The Three Goddess Prince led the public in dancing “Gangnam style”; Youth Adult Division (YAD)’s musical performance and sign language performance “Vow to be” and “Harmonise”. BLIA members were singing a few songs to entertain the public. The Japanese Drum and Lion Dance were the most stunning performances that captured everyone’s attention.

The best part about the carnival was the fact the public could participate in the Lucky Draw using the tickets they had bought. Special prize was Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy and the first prize was Ipad Mini. Both prizes were given out in the two-day event. The carnival attracted more than 500 people and they were glad and happy they came to the Carnival