- Western Australia's Buddhist community marks Buddha's birthday
- Cook Labor Government supports festival, contributing in $30,000 funding
- Popular two-day event now in its 32nd year
The Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival will again transform the Supreme Court Gardens into a vibrant hub of family-friendly activities this Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April 2025.
Now in its 32nd year, this popular event will include performances, vegetarian food stalls, calligraphy sessions, mass tea meditation and cultural displays.
Hosted by Buddha's Light International Association of Western Australia (BLIAWA), the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple WA and the Nan Tien Institute of Higher Education, the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival has grown to become one of Western Australia's largest annual faith-based festivals, with more than 20,000 people expected to attend over the two days.
The theme for the 2025 Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival is 'Coexistence and Coprosperity' and will include prayers for hope, unity, good health and world peace by multi-faith leaders.
Operating since 1993, BLIAWA is the WA chapter of the worldwide Buddha's Light International Association, which has over one million members worldwide.
Buddha's Birthday, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a Buddhist holiday celebrated in early May and is considered one of the most important Buddhist festivals.
Celebrated annually across the world, the holiday commemorates the birthday of the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni Buddha.
For more information about the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival visit www.omi.wa.gov.au
As stated by Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I encourage everyone to share in the experience of the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival, which has become one of Western Australia's most beloved cultural festivals.
"This first-class event is a great opportunity for people from across the community to come together and participate in activities promoting mindfulness, health, spirituality and intercultural understanding.
"The WA Government recognises and celebrates the role cultural diversity plays in the development of our State, and the importance large cultural events such as the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival play in fostering this diversity.
"As well as a cause for celebration, the Buddha's Birthday is an important time for the Buddhist community to reflect on Buddha's teachings and I wish all those who mark this occasion the very best for the day."
