By Nan Tien Institute graduate Stacey Weng
In the Year of the Wood Snake (2025), from January 28 to February 2, Nan Tien Temple warmly invites you and your family to join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year. This special occasion brings the community together in a spirit of unity, reverence and joy.
Amidst the rich traditions and the vibrant blend of cultures, let us kick start a bright future filled with hope.
Here are four highlights of the New Year celebration.
1. Lunar New Year Prayer
Join us at Nan Tien Temple during the Lunar New Year for our prayer and blessing ceremonies. Light a candle to pray for the peace and happiness of your family and friends. Bid farewell to the old year and joyfully welcome the new one with the uplifting sound of ringing bells. Take a moment to visit the wishing tree, where you can toss a red ribbon and hang your hopes high, making your heartfelt wishes come true.
Lunar New Year Dharma Service Schedule
Lunar New Year's Eve, January 28:
- 9:30pm: Lunar New Year’s Eve Blessing Ceremony
- 11:00pm: Lunar New Year’s Day Incense Offering
- 12:00am: Toll the Bell of Peace to Welcome the New Year
Lunar New Year’s Day, January 29:
- 11:00am: Lunar New Year’s Blessing Ceremony
Fourth Day of the Lunar New Year, February 1:
- 9:00pm: Offerings to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service.
2. Cultural Festivity
This Lunar New Year, Nan Tien Temple warmly invites you to join us for a vibrant celebration of cultural arts and traditions. Experience the beauty of diversity as we come together for this special occasion.
On Lunar New Year’s Eve, we encourage you to wear a beautiful Hanfu and gather with your family at the temple to welcome the new year. Enjoy the traditional lion dance and explore our captivating cultural and artistic stalls that showcase the richness of artistic fusion.
From Lunar New Year’s Eve through to the third day of the Lunar New Year, we will be giving out red envelopes in the Main Shrine Courtyard. Each envelope will include Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma teachings and an auspicious bracelet, extending our heartfelt wishes for your happiness and well-being in the year ahead.
3. Vegetarian Dishes
Delight in our creative vegetarian dishes that celebrate health while embracing eco-friendly principles for a sustainable lifestyle. Together, let’s nurture the Earth, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote sustainable living.
Join us for a vibrant vegetarian night market on Lunar New Year’s Eve, where you can savour an international array of dishes that skilfully balance health and flavour, all while supporting the sustainability of our planet.
4. Festival Family & Community Gathering
Join us for a warm and joyful celebration with family, friends and the community, filled with fun games and shared moments as we embrace the joy and happiness of the Lunar New Year.
Gather at Nan Tien Temple on Lunar New Year’s Eve for an unforgettable night of cultural richness, blessings, and delicious food. Our various booths will be overflowing with blessings, and exclusive New Year gifts from the temple will ensure everyone leaves with joy and happiness.
Event Information
- From January 28 to February 2, 2025
- Location: Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple (180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW)
- Contact Phone: 02 4272 0600
- Website: www.nantien.org.au
Opening Hours
January 28 (Lunar New Year’s Eve): 9:00am to Midnight
January 29 (Lunar New Year’s Day): 8:00am to 6:00pm
January 30 (Second Day of the Lunar New Year): 9:00am to 5:00pm
January 31 (Third Day of the Lunar New Year): 9:00am to 5:00pm
February 1 (Fourth Day of the Lunar New Year): Offering to Celestial Beings and Guardians Dharma Service): 9:00am to Midnight
February 2 (Fifth Day of the Lunar New Year): 9:00am to 5:00pm
About the writer
Stacey Weng graduated with a Master of Applied Buddhist Studies and a Certificate in Humanistic Buddhism, Health and Social Wellbeing from Nan Tien Institute. Based in Sydney, she is a lover of culture, arts, and philosophy. Stacey enjoys reading and is committed to continuous learning, aiming to make a positive impact through translation work and volunteering.
