Here's to stable times: Nan Tien welcomes Year of the Horse
'Harmony and Co-Existence, Galloping Towards Success' is the theme for Nan Tien Temple's Year of the Horse celebrations, writes Yihui Jiang
With a blend of traditional customs and multicultural vibrancy, Nan Tien Temple is inviting the Illawarra to celebrate welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Guided by the theme "Harmony and Co-Existence, Galloping Towards Success", the celebration will feature four key highlights between February 16 and 22:
1. Blessings of wisdom and prosperity
Start the new year with a spiritual reset. Visitors are invited to offer light (lamps of wisdom) for loved ones, seeking peace and auspiciousness. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, join the community to toll the bell of peace, leaving behind past worries and making wishes on the wishing tree for a successful year ahead.
Monday, February 16 (NYE): Blessing ceremony at 9:30pm; Lunar New Year’s Day incense offering at 11pm; Toll the bell of peace to welcome the new year at 12am.
Tuesday, February 17: Lunar New Year’s blessing ceremony at 11am.
Saturday, February 21: Offering to Buddhas and celestial guardians dharma service at 9pm.
2. Cultural heritage and artistic inspiration
Experience the richness of Chinese tradition through immersive arts. On New Year’s Eve, visitors are encouraged to wear traditional hanfu for a unique family reunion. On New Year’s Day, the spectacular lion dance will bring luck and joy to all. To celebrate the Year of the Horse, interactive stations featuring auspicious greetings and lion dance workshops will be available.
Art lovers can explore The Culture of the Horse and Carving Light: A Pilgrim's Journey Exhibition. Participants can also join the stamp rally across eight activity stations to collect a limited-edition Nan Tien multi-layered postcard. Traditional red packets (ang pow) containing calligraphy and auspicious beads will be distributed from February 16 to 22.
3. Sustainability and shared harmony
Embracing the concept of "oneness and coexistence", the festival promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Lunar New Year's Eve vegetarian market will showcase an international array of plant-based delicacies, demonstrating that festive celebrations can be both delicious and sustainable.
4. Family reunion in the Year of the Horse
Nan Tien Temple remains a premier destination for family gatherings. From cultural workshops to the joyful station for children, the temple provides a warm, inclusive atmosphere where culture, blessings and food intertwine. Limited-edition new year souvenirs will be available to bring festive cheer home.
When to visit
Lunar New Year celebrations will be held from February 16-22 at Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW 2506. Opening hours: February 16 (Mon) 4:30pm-midnight; February 17 (Tue) 8am-6pm; February 18-20 (Wed-Fri) 9am-5pm; February 21 (Sat) 9am-midnight; February 22 (Sun) 9am-5pm.
Contact: (02) 4272 0600, www.nantien.org.au
