Mayor Joo Kwangdeok of Namyangju Attends Bongseonsa Lotus Festival

A Festival Blending Tradition and Rest
Citizens Enjoy Culture and Comfort at the Bongseonsa Lotus Festival

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 25th that Mayor Joo Kwangdeok attended the 23rd Bongseonsa Happiness Barami Lotus Festival held at Bongseonsa Temple in Jinjeop-eup (Chief Monk Hosan) on the 24th and enjoyed the festival with citizens.

Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the 23rd Bongseonsa Happiness Barami Lotus Festival held at Bongseonsa Temple in Jinjeop-eup (Chief Monk Hosan) on the 24th and delivered a greeting. Provided by Namyangju City

This year's festival was held under the theme "May you become a lotus, I shall become the mud," providing citizens with an opportunity to enjoy tradition and culture while experiencing rest and comfort.

The event was attended by over 1,000 people, including Mayor Joo Kwangdeok, National Assemblyman Kim Byungjoo, city council members, the mayors of Uijeongbu and Yangju, heads of related organizations and groups, Buddhists, and citizens, further adding to the significance of the festival.

The festivities began with a pre-ceremony performance. Part 1 featured the Korean Seven Emotions Ritual and opening declaration, a ceremony for delivering support funds to youth and young adults, congratulatory speeches, and celebratory songs. Part 2 included special performances by singer Kim Junsu, rapper Cheetah, and the Sangwol B-boy Crew.

In particular, scholarships were awarded to youth and young adults affiliated with the Kwangdong Academy, highlighting the spirit of sharing, and the performances lit up the Bongseonsa lotus pond with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Around the lotus pond, a variety of programs attracted citizens, including a disability awareness improvement campaign, a booth for companion animals, Buddhist painting activities, and a photo exhibition.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, attended the 23rd Bongseonsa Happiness Barami Lotus Festival held at Bongseonsa Temple in Jinjeop-eup (Chief Monk Hosan) on the 24th, enjoying the festival with citizens. Provided by Namyangju City

During the ceremony, Chief Monk Hosan said, "This year, due to heavy rains and flood damage, the festival was postponed by a month, so many of the lotuses have already faded, which caused concern. However, the true lotuses today are all those who joined the festival. I hope this lotus festival will continue for the next hundred years."

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok emphasized, "Bongseonsa Temple is the greatest jewel of Korea and the best place of rest for both citizens and the people. The city will do its utmost to promote Buddhist culture and the practice of sharing."

Meanwhile, this year's lotus festival was held over three days from the 22nd to the 24th, with about 10,000 citizens enjoying a variety of cultural experiences.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.