Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday with art, light and culture at Nan Tien Temple

Nan Tien Temple invites everyone to enjoy a spectacular four-day celebration of Buddha’s Birthday – a vibrant, multicultural festival blending art, mindfulness, and community spirit. From April 18 to 21, the temple will share inspiring program that brings ancient wisdom to life through immersive experiences in light, film and culture.

Enlighten Buddhist Film Festival

This year’s highlight is the inaugural ENLIGHTEN Buddhist Film Festival, curated by acclaimed artist Sandra Pires. Dive into stories of inner awakening, mindfulness, and spiritual journey through a curated selection of thought-provoking films. Expert-led introductions and post-screening discussions turn each film into a doorway to insight and meaningful connection.

The Art of Light and Shadow

Step into the breathtaking world of the Buddha’s Birthday Creative Light and Shadow Art – an evocative exhibition revealing the transformation of greed, anger, and ignorance into clarity and wisdom. Through mesmeriSing visual storytelling, visitors are guided toward the realiSation of their inner Buddha-nature. In this dance of shadows and illumination, discover that afflictions can become awakening too.

Bathe the Buddha & Receive Blessings

Join the Lumbini Garden Buddha Bathing Ceremony, a sacred tradition that commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha. Symbolizing purification and renewal, the act of bathing the Buddha invites participants to purify the minds and make positive vows.

A special Baby Blessing Ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 19, offering prayers for safe pregnancies and healthy growth under the protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Family Fun, Art & Green Living

Enjoy a weekend of joy and learning with activities for all ages – including a vegetarian food fair, interactive treasure hunts, children’s art workshops, and hands-on creative experiences that blend tradition with play. Embrace mindful living and environmental care, one bite and brushstroke at a time.

Explore your inner world with guided meditation sessions, tai chi, and an array of multicultural activities designed to nurture awareness and well-being.

Nan Tien Temple invites everyone to be part of this heart-opening celebration – a radiant festival where wisdom meets creativity, and community gathers to celebrate peace, compassion, and the timeless teachings of the Buddha.

Fast facts

From 9am-5pm, April 18-21, 2025 (Friday to Monday) at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW, (02) 4272 0600, www.nantien.org.au