The United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, was celebrated in Melbourne at the Melbourne Town Hall on 23 May and in Sydney at the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown, west of Sydney, on 30 May.
UN Vesak procession participants in Melbourne. From quangduc.com
In December 1999, at the 45th meeting of the general assembly of the UN, Vesak Day was recognized as a UN Day of International Observance, to be celebrated by its member countries during May each year. This auspicious occasion has been observed annually in Sydney since 2007 and in Melbourne since 2008.
To reflect traditional celebrations in many Buddhist communities, the Melbourne event commenced with a lunch offering to the monastic sangha at a nearby church hall, followed by a grand procession from the neighboring Parliament Gardens to the town hall.
UN Vesak procession in Melbourne. From quangduc.com
Commenting on behalf of the procession team, Julian Bamford said, “Our multicultural Vesak procession announced its movement along Spring Street with drum and gong. Followed by the Buddhist flag, the Buddha images on their beautiful floats and the venerable sangha led the myriad colors of smiling participants in traditional costumes carrying lanterns, children on decorated bicycles, temple signs, and Buddhist flags waved by hundreds of the Buddha’s lay followers.” He added, “It was an occasion that provided the many visitors to the city who were along the route of the procession with a sight they would rarely, if ever, experience.”
The town hall part of the event commenced with a Buddha relic and sangha procession into the hall and chanting from the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. Also included in the afternoon’s proceedings was a panel discussion on Buddhist responses to modern-day issues, cultural performances, and the presentation of an original Buddhist musical titled “The Wounded Swan,” performed by over 40 children from various temples.
Sangha members on stage at the UN Vesak event in Sydney. From John Aphichat
On behalf of the organizing committee, Frank Carter shared, “What an intensely enjoyable and uplifting event. So many things come to mind which show that together we have created a truly wonderful and appropriate celebration to commemorate Vesak.”
The Sydney celebration began with the viewing of Buddha relics and children performing traditional Thai music to welcome everyone into the theater. The event was in two parts, the first involving the formal proceedings and the second, a variety of multicultural performances.
His Excellency Deepak Khadka, the consul-general of Nepal, at the UN Vesak celebration in Sydney. From John Aphichat
The formal part of the afternoon commenced with a welcoming speech by the Lord Mayor of Bankstown, followed by the opening speech by the president of the Buddhist Federation of Australia, the Most Venerable Suddhammo, who invited everybody “to have an enjoyable and meaningful time.”
After traditional chanting was performed by the venerables, the special guest speaker, His Excellency Deepak Khadka, the honorable consul-general of Nepal, gave a presentation on the current situation in Nepal. “Even though our current situation in Nepal is devastating, we feel lucky to have worldwide support,” he stated. The speech was followed by a video presentation. Donations were encouraged and accepted on behalf of the Nepal Earthquake Relief Center in Australia throughout the event.
The formalities were rounded off with the performance of original Buddhist songs in English and messages from both federal and state members of parliament, as well as from the UN.
“The Buddhist community, in all its diversity, has become an integral part of the Australian story,” commented Australian prime minister Tony Abbott in his Vesak Day message. “At this time we celebrate the contribution the Buddhist community makes to Australia.”
The celebrations concluded with an hour of multicultural performances as the audience traveled the Buddhist world in Sydney, Australia.