2023 Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

Victoria’s largest and most popular multicultural festival returns this May!

The three-day long Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival is back at Federation Square from 19-21 May, bringing together arts, music, multicultural performances, and its first ever Firework Displays running on Friday & Saturday nights. Presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria (BLIA VIC), this major festival celebrates multiculturalism through the arts, music, multicultural performances, workshops and Buddhist ceremonies.

Join the festival from 6pm on Friday 19th May for the Light It Up Opening Ceremony, featuring cultural performances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne, National Boys Choir and Wadaiko Rindo as well as traditional Buddhist Ceremonies by Venerables of Fo Guang Shan and guest speakers. The Ceremony will culminate with an incredible multi-media fireworks show bringing the iconic Square to life as never before seen.

Across the weekend, Festival patrons can participate in cultural ceremonies, activities and performances. Enjoy guided meditation, including the popular Ch’an Meditation in the Lotus Flower Sanctuary or venture into the Mindfulness Forest to calm the spirit and bathe the Buddha in the beautiful Lumbini Garden to purify the mind and cultivate wisdom.

Families with kids can engage in learning the art of Lion Dancing or pick a favourite character for face painting and play with Giant Bubbles. Over at the Federation Square main stage, all ages will enjoy the impressive line up of performances from Victoria’s various Multicultural Groups.

FESTIVAL EVENTS & INCLUSIONS:
Multicultural performances:
Song, dance, choral and orchestral performances and workshop from a diverse range of cultures including Japanese, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Maori, and Scottish cultures.

Lotus Flower Sanctuary:
A calming meditative space set beneath clusters of sky-high illuminated lotus flower stalks. Participate in guided meditations in the middle of the sanctuary.

Mindfulness Forest:
A collection of tall illuminated columns forming a creative space for those seeking to colour their way to peacefulness and a calm mind.

Bathing the Buddha Arches:
According to historians, the tradition of pouring fragrant water steeped with special herbs over the statue of the infant Buddha back as far as the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280AD) in China. Partake to cultivate merits and wisdom from the Buddha.

Guided Tai Chi & Buddhist Ch’an Meditation:
Guided ch’an meditation classes offered at the Lotus Flower Sanctuary throughout the festival’s weekend for those seeking peace and time to reflect.

Lumbini Garden and the Happy Buddha:
Visit this garden of giant sized decorative statues and lotus flowers replicating the Lumbini Garden where Queen Maya gave birth to Buddha.

Children’s Corner:
Lion Dance workshops, Giant Bubbles, Scout Groups, Face Painting and Balloon Twisting, free for all kids!

Baby Blessing:
The Venerables of Fo Guang Shan Monastic Order (FGS) will bless the children so that they may live a happy and fulfilled life under the protection and guidance of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. It is hoped that the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas will guide the little ones throughout life. Register through: bit.ly/Babyblessing2023

For more information about the Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival visit the official website.