Bathing the Buddha Festival

18 June 2024

The Bathing the Buddha Festival, also known as Buddha Day or Vesak, is one of the most significant events in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. I was fortunate to attend these celebrations on 4 May at Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta. The event, supported by the Prajna Monastery, featured the ceremony of bathing the Buddha, that symbolises the cleansing of one's mind and body. Devotees make offerings of flowers, incense, candles, and fruits at temples and practice giving to monks and the needy. It was a day of incredible cultural performances, music, and several lion dance performances. The festival is a time for Buddhists to renew their commitment to the Buddha's teachings, practice compassion, kindness, and humility, and foster a sense of community and shared values. It is always wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate, and learn more about Buddhist culture and teachings.