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Welcome the New Year with Hope and Happiness
Celebrate a Joyous Chinese New Year at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto

Toronto, a vibrant hub of multiculturalism, comes alive each Lunar New Year with festive celebrations that highlight the richness of Chinese culture. In 2025, as we welcome the Year of the Snake (Yisi Year), Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter are excited to host a series of lively Spring Festival activities starting January 26th. Blending tradition with innovation, this celebration offers blessings, happiness, and prosperity to all.

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A Vibrant Spring Festival Experience

‍Inspired by the New Year calligraphy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, the theme for this year’s festivities is "Keep going, the future is bright." This message encourages
courage and diligence as we step into the light of hope and opportunity in the new year.

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Featured Activities: Renewal and Blessings

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January 28th (New Year’s Eve):
• 8:00 PM: New Year’s Eve Dharma Service – Bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with spiritual blessings after a reunion dinner.
• 10:00 PM to Midnight: New Year Incense Offering – Offer incense to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, praying for a prosperous and peaceful year. Visitors will receive Auspicious Red Packets containing Wisdom Words for Life, blessed rice, and fruits.
• 11:00 PM: Ringing the Peace Bell – Usher in the New Year with the harmonious chime of the Peace Bell, symbolizing prayers for world peace, favorable weather, and personal joy.

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January 29th (New Year’s Day) & February 2nd (Fifth Day of the New Year):
• 10:00 AM: Chinese New Year Dharma Service – Participate in the Thousand Buddhas Repentance Ceremony, dedicating merits for health, happiness, and prosperity in 2025. A Blessed Boxed Meal will be offered following the service.
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January 29th to 31st (First to Third Day of the New Year):
• Visitors can enjoy Sweet Tea of Peace, symbolizing blessings and harmony.

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Starting January 26th:
The Wishing Tree in front of the temple will be open for visitors to hang their New Year wishes, spreading hope and joy.

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Festive Booths for a Memorable Celebration - Explore eight themed booths featuring:

• New Year Delicacies: "All-in-One" and "Everlasting Smilies."
• Auspicious Flowers and Potted Plants: "Blooming New Year."
• Special Snacks: "Candied Hawthorns."
• New Year Gifts: "Everything Fulfilled."
• Handmade Pastries: "Coexisting in Auspiciousness."
• Home Goods: "A Myriad of Colours."
• Year of the Snake Decorations: "Good Fortune and Affinity."
• Cultural Experiences: "Auspicious Couplets" and "Lucky Rubbing."
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Innovative Cultural Experiences

• "Journey to the Buddha’s Realm" Spring Walk: An interactive digital experience where families can transform into animated characters for a fun-filled adventure.
• "The Beauty of Fo Guang – Photography Exhibition by Venerable Hui Yan": A serene display of photography capturing peace and happiness, located in the museum.
• Performances: Dragon and lion dances, alongside visits from the God of Wealth, will bring energy and blessings to the celebration.

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Convenient Shuttle Bus Service
To ensure everyone can participate, shuttle buses will connect Scarborough, Markham, Chinatown, and other areas on January 29th (Wednesday) and February 2nd (Sunday). Register by January 23rd by calling 905-814-0465.
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Join Us to Celebrate the New Year!
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and BLIA Toronto Chapter warmly welcome you and your family to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the spirit of "Keep going, the future is bright." Let’s embrace peace, joy, and blessings together!
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Wishing everyone a year filled with peace, auspiciousness, and fulfillment of blessings and wisdom.

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