On January 29, the first day of the Lunar New Year, despite freezing temperatures of -9°C and a midweek workday, thousands of devotees flocked to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to pay homage to the Buddha and seek blessings for the year ahead. Welcoming over 5,000 visitors throughout the day, the temple became a gathering place for families across generations, uniting in celebration, prayer, and the preservation of cultural traditions under the warmth of Buddha’s light.

In her Dharma talk, the abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, emphasized that everyone aspires to light and brightness, and the tradition of lighting lamps symbolizes the pursuit of inner illumination. Encouraging devotees to take the first steptoward wisdom and compassion, she remarked, "Light exists within ourhearts. When we share kindness and wisdom, we illuminate the world. A single lamp can ignite countless others. By helping others, we cultivate wisdom ourselves." She also conveyed a New Year’s blessing from Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun: "Keep going, the future is bright." She urged devotees to make vows, perform good deeds, and cultivate the Six Perfections, using wisdom to overcome challenges, pursue dreams, and bring hope and strength to their lives.

The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Canadian Members of Parliament MP Leah Taylor Roy and MP Han Dong, Richmond Hill Councillor CastroLiu, Markham Councillor Isa Lee, Oakville Councillor Scott Xie, officers from Peel Regional Police, and representatives from the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, including President Mabel Lam and Vice President Kevin Cao. The dignitaries extended their New Year greetings and presented official congratulatory letters, wishing the community peace, happiness, andprosperity in the coming year.

The temple grounds featured a variety of attractions, drawing in enthusiastic crowds. AYear of the Snake-themed display served as a popular photo backdrop for families and friends. At the Blessing Bell, visitors struck the bell with heartfelt sincerity, praying for national prosperity and social harmony. The Wishing Tree, adorned with countless colorful prayer ribbons, stood as a beacon of faith and hope. Inside the Main Shrine, devotees reverently offered their First Incense of the Year, joined their palms in prayer before the Buddhas, and drew Dharma words for guidance in the months ahead.

Children,dressed in vibrant traditional attire, participated in the festivities with great enthusiasm, following their parents’ lead in bowing before the Buddha. Monastics distributed auspicious red envelopes, filling the young ones with joy and excitement.

A rich array of cultural performances and interactive activities added to the festive spirit. The Lion and Dragon Dance and the God of Wealth performances energized the atmosphere with joy and lively interaction. On the second floor, the "Journey to Buddha’s Land" and "Positive Forecasts for Life" cultural experience zones provided engaging, immersive activities. Meanwhile, a Year of the Snake paper-cutting workshop encouraged children to create intricate 3D snake-themed decorations, fostering artistic expression and cultural appreciation between parents and children.

Among them any dedicated volunteers, Nury Garzon, a participant from the temple’s Chinese painting class, served for the first time at the event. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, "I am deeply grateful for the warmth and joy I felt while serving others. This opportunity to connect with the community and be embraced by Buddha’s light has been truly uplifting. I look forward to volunteering again next year and sharing this happiness with even more people."