The air crackles with red firecrackers, the clanging of cymbals and the rhythmic bass beating of drums. The smell of gunpowder hangs in the air as the rainbow colours and fluid dance of the traditional Chinese Lion weaves through the crowds.

Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Melbourne have begun; a vibrant yearly event full of ancient tradition, culture and excitement. Welcome the Year of the Tiger! To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (Buddha s Light Mountain), one of Victoria s largest Buddhist Temples, invites all to experience a fundamental aspect of Lunar New Year traditions the Chinese Lunar New Year Buddhist Blessing Ceremony on Chinese New Year s Eve.

It is a unique opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the past year of the Ox, to wish peace and wellbeing for all in the New Year to come and to welcome in the auspicious Year of the Tiger.

The traditional Buddhist Blessing Ceremony commences in the heart of Chinatown on New Year s Eve at 10.30pm, with special guest, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, Cr Gary Singer. It will be held at a special visiting shrine on the site of the Chinatown Carpark, 132-136 Little Bourke Street (between Russell and Exhibition streets).

The traditional Lunar New Year Blessing ceremony will consist of ceremonial chanting by Venerables from Fo Guang Shan Melbourne; the First Light Offering and First Incense Lighting of the New Year. In conjunction with this special event, Fo Guang Shan Melbourne will hold Lunar New Year ceremonies throughout various locations in Melbourne s suburbs