2569 Bathing Buddha Ceremony

On Sunday, 4 May 2025, community leaders, religious representatives, and friends gathered to commemorate and celebrate the most sacred day on the Buddhist calendar – Buddha’s Birthday known as the Bathing Buddha Ceremony), in a celebration of compassion and unity.

Guests participated in the solemn and traditional rituals; female guests representing Buddha Mother Madame Maya, reenacted the sacred moment of Prince Siddhartha’s arrival into the world. Male guests, representing Buddhas of Multiple Heavens, poured holy water to bathe the body of the newborn Crown Prince. These rituals symbolise an offering of devotion and universal blessing.

Local politicians including Mayor of Glenorchy, Alderman Sue Hickey; Mayor of Derwent Valley, Councillor Michelle Dracoulis; Clarence City Council’s Alderman Heather Chong; community leaders, and good friends from all walks of life joined us. We were honoured to also have Venerable Shi Ban Ruo, Abbot of Prajna Monastery in NSW, and Mr Eng Joo Ang and wife Ms Rosita Ang join us especially.

As the ceremony concluded, a collective aspiration lingered in the air. No matter the faith or ethnicity, we walk the path of unity, solidarity, and harmony together. As guests shared birthday cakes honouring the Buddha’s birth, they also enjoyed cultural performances brought by local and visiting members of the Academy.