Changwon Special City Holds 'Celebration Lighting Ceremony' for Buddha's Birthday

"Lighting the Lamp of Compassion, Wisdom, and Peace"

Changwon Special City in South Gyeongsang Province held the 'Celebration Lighting Ceremony' at Changwon City Hall Square to mark the upcoming Buddha's Birthday, which falls on the Buddhist Era 2570.

The event, hosted by the Changwon Special City Buddhist Association on April 25, was organized to bring peace to the hearts of citizens with the light of Buddha's compassion and wisdom, and to wish for harmony and well-being.

Changwon Special City, Buddha's Birthday 'Lighting Ceremony'.
[Photo by Changwon City]

The ceremony was solemnly conducted in the following order: the Threefold Refuge and Heart Sutra recitation, the main ceremony led by Monk Beopan, and a congratulatory song by the Changwon Buddhist Union Choir. This was followed by the main guests lighting the large celebration tower in the City Hall Square, and all participants circling the tower in a ritual known as 'Tapdori,' which marked the finale of the event.

Monk Beopan of the Changwon Special City Buddhist Association stated during the ceremony, "I hope the light we kindle today will become a lamp that spreads Buddha's compassion throughout the world."

Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor of Changwon, delivered a congratulatory address, saying, "I wish that all your hopes and prayers shared at today's event will be fulfilled with the Buddha's grace."

Meanwhile, starting with this lighting ceremony, Changwon Special City will hold various Buddhist events: on May 16 at 5:00 p.m., the 'Celebration Citizen Concert' will take place at 3·15 Marine Nuri Park in Masanhappo-gu, and on May 17 at 6:00 p.m., a lantern parade and 'Tapdori' will be held at Jungwon Rotary in Jinhae-gu.

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