- Thousands to visit Elizabeth Quay to celebrate auspicious day
- The McGowan Government supports the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival with $15,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests
Respect and tolerance, consensus and openness is the theme of the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival this weekend (April 14-15) at Elizabeth Quay.
The free annual event will return to Perth to celebrate the most auspicious day on the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birthday of Buddha more than 2,500 years ago in northern India.
The festival offers a variety of entertainment for all ages including culturally diverse performances, vegetarian food stalls, calligraphy sessions, tea and incense appreciation, tai chi and meditation sessions, arts, cultural displays, and fireworks.
Up to 40,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which has been supported by the McGowan Government with $15,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Grants Program.
Since its inception in 1998, the festival has become an iconic feature on Perth's community calendar, bringing together the multicultural and multi-faith community of Western Australia.
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:
"Events like the Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival offer the wider community a wonderful insight into Buddhist practices and beliefs.
"Our vibrant, culturally diverse society, allows us to experience cultural celebrations from all over the world, right on our doorstep.
"I congratulate Western Australia's Buddhist communities on the auspicious occasion of Buddha's Birthday.
"The festival features a host of cultural performances, cuisines, exhibitions and activities for the whole family, and I encourage everyone to get involved."
Minister's office - 6552 5600
