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It's the Buddha's birthday, and more than 600 volunteers are busy preparing for celebrations expected to draw thousands on Sunday.
Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike will gather at Fo Guang Shan, Auckland's largest Buddhist temple, for a day of prayer, food and multicultural performances. Water will bear a special significance for participants, as they partake in "bathing the Buddha" - scooping perfumed water with a ladle and pouring it over a statue of the baby Sakyamuni Buddha.
"It is a day of renewal, and as we cleanse the Lord Buddha we are also cleansing ourselves," said Abbess Ven Manshi of the temple.
Although everyone is welcome, Abbess Manshi advises people against bringing alcohol, cigarettes and food containing meat into the temple.
This will be the first Buddha's Day celebrations at the temple since it was officially opened in October last year.
* The Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festival is at Fo Guang Shan Temple, Cnr Chapel and Stancombe Roads, East Tamaki, on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.
