[Edited extract from public address]
For the ninth consecutive year in a row, Victorians will mark the start of a month when Buddhist communities globally come together to celebrate Vesak: the birth, passing and enlightenment of the Buddha.
Buddhism spans cultural groups such as Chinese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Loation, Thai, Mongolian, Tibetan, Burmese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Sri Lankan, to name a few. Buddhism has a strong history in Victoria since the goldrush days in 1848 and continues today with unique representation of many cultural groups and traditions and forms practiced in Melbourne and around the state.
Join us in celebration at the BIGGEST event in the Buddhist Calendar!
Vesak Celebrations include:
-- Sangha Lunch Offering
-- Vesak Procession in the heart of Melbourne CBD
-- Buddhist Youth Leadership Workshop
-- Blessings and Chanting from various Buddhist traditions
-- Multi-Cultural Performances
-- Musical stage production
Sangha Lunch Offering: starts 10.00am at the St Peter’s Parish Hall, 15 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne
Vesak Procession: starts at 1.00pm from Parliament Gardens, (assemble from 12.15pm) 489-531 Albert Street (corner of Nicholson & Albert Streets) East Melbourne to Melbourne Town Hall.
(Public carparking available nearby)
* Lunch packs provided
Vesak Celebrations: starts 1.30pm to 4.00pm at the Melbourne Town Hall (corner Swanston & Collins St)
Cost: Free event - all welcome
MORE:
For the latest updates from organisers, please visit the official website:
www.unvesak.org
Organisers acknowledge meaningful support by Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Melbourne and the Victorian Buddhist Community.
