Federation Square will burst into life with the 24th annual Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, including over 40 events, an Asian vegetarian food fair, spectacular cultural performances and a thrilling Dragon Boat sprint race along the Yarra River.

Presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria, this two-day event encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to commemorate the birth of Buddha and to explore Melbourne’s multicultural, multi-faith society.

Traditional ceremonies will include the ‘Baby Blessing’, ‘Future Within Thy Hands’, a twilight light offering, an interfaith ceremony plus the auspicious ‘World Peace Blessing Ceremony’, conducted by Venerable Man Ko, the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temples in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, there will be dance, song and music performances.

Experience a slower pace through an array of mindfulness classes including gentle tai chi, the ancient practice of sutra calligraphy and the quietude of tea meditation performances led by Taiwanese tea master, April Jin.