The 2550th Buddha's Birthday Festival

Buddha’s Birthday Festival celebrates the birthday of the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha, who was born in the year 623 B.C. on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month (May) in Lumbini Park, Kapilavastu (present Nepal).

Since London Fo Guang Temple organised Buddha’s Birthday Festival in West End of London in 1994, this festival has grown and become the largest outdoor Buddhist event in Britain. Impressed by this symbolic ceremony of mind purification, The Lord Mayor Councillor Robert David announced this “Bathing of the Buddha” celebration as an official event of Chinatown in 1996. Government officials have been in attendance at this annual festival since then.

The festival is developed to promote family harmony and world peace, and provide an opportunity for community access to Buddhist cultures and activities. Themes of Buddha’s Birthday Festival this year are “Compassion” and “Wisdom”. We hope that the virtues of the Buddha shall benefit every one, and by following in the footsteps of the Buddha, we brace ourselves to meet challenge with compassion and wisdom.

Event activities range from Procession, “Bathing of the Buddha” Ceremony, Première of “In the Footsteps of the Buddha” Musical (English), Buddhist Art Exhibitions, Book Fair, Lion Dance, Puppet Show, Children’s Drama, Photography Competition, Children’s Drawing Competition, Dun Huang Dancing, Concert of Chinese Music, Youth Modern Dancing, Sign Song, Choir etc.

The highlight of Buddha’s Birthday Festival of Year 2006 will be the première of “Journey to Wisdom – In the Footsteps of the Buddha” musical, which is specially produced by London Fo Guang Shan. Composed and directed by Hi Ching, this musical is based on the life of Prince Siddhartha, tracing his birth up to his enlightenment. It will be performed live by international artists (British, Chinese, Indian, and Balinese) backed by London Fo Guang Shan's choir, dancers and children in Leicester Square Gardens at 3pm on 6 May 2006.

Bursting with hauntingly beautiful and touching songs, this 40-minute upbeat, enjoyable musical is performed in English and suitable for all the family. Everyone can experience something special in the multi-faceted performance where spiritual and human worlds join forces to recount the story of Prince Siddhartha, a royal prince who embarks on a journey of enlightenment and Buddhahood.