Taiwan’s Fo Guang Shan hosts ‘Festival of Light and Peace’
台灣佛光山舉辦“平安燈法會”
| Annual event highlights peace, tranquility, and optimism in the coming lunar year
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Every Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan (佛光山), one of Taiwan’s largest Buddhist organizations and a major cultural and religious landmark in Kaohsiung, hosts a “Festival of Light and Peace,” beginning this year on Jan. 29. This year’s theme is based on a phrase, “Keep Going, The Future is Bright,” by the late Venerable Master Hsing Yun (星雲), the founder of the organizations. Visitors will be treated to large theme lanterns, specialty exhibits such as a baseball-themed lantern, and the release of sky lanterns to pray for blessings, per CNA. Fo Guang Shan has been holding the “Festival of Light and Peace” since 1980, with this year marking its 44th iteration. Venerable Hui Chuan (慧傳) highlighted that throughout the sprawling property, visitors can view calligraphy and art created by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Hui Chuan noted that the main hall, which is undergoing renovations, now features an exterior protective layer transformed into a special screen for a light sculpture. This year’s main lantern, titled "Bright Light in Sight," is designed as a lotus lantern with diamond-like facets. The festival begins on the first day of the lunar new year (Jan. 29) and will run until Feb. 27. Visitors can scan QR codes at each attraction and release a virtual sky lantern on an LED screen in the main lantern area. During the Lunar New Year period, a nightly light show will take place along the Avenue of Enlightenment. This year’s light show draws inspiration from the Year of the Snake, narrating a tale of friendship between a snake and a deer that inspires the pursuit of inner light. Other attractions include a tunnel adorned with 1,300 lanterns, a parade featuring floats, acrobatic performances, and an outdoor market. Venerable Ru Chang, director of the Buddha Memorial Hall, announced that Fo Guang Shan provides 3,500 free parking spaces. To accommodate the festival, shuttle bus services have been extended from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. With vibrant activities and colorful lantern displays coinciding with the Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan invites the public to join in celebrating, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and pray for peace and happiness in the coming year. |
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| Sean Scanlan, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-01-21 |
