On the 2nd of February, I had the pleasure of attending Lunar New Year celebrations at the Mingyue Lay Temple in Bonnyrigg, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. This wonderful event brought the community together with captivating performances, including traditional dances, live bands, and the iconic lion dances. The Mingyue Lay Temple is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere, and holds great historical significance with its origins dating back to 1985 when refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos began planning its construction. Built with a 12th-century Chinese design, the temple stands as a testament to the Buddhist Mahayana tradition. Beyond its religious functions, the Temple has long been a hub for humanitarian efforts, contributing to causes like flood and bushfire relief. It was great to see so many people come together in celebration and solidarity this Lunar New Year.