The Lantern Festival, traditionally marked by lantern viewing and sweet dumplings, also holds special significance for the Fo Guang Shan community as a time to remember Fo Guang Shan Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. On March 3, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a Lantern Festival Food Offering Dharma Service and shared the traditional Yangzhou dumplings, symbolizing blessings from the Venerable Master’s hometown. The gathering offered devotees a warm opportunity to reflect on the Master’s compassion and share in the joy of the Dharma.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held its 2026 Offerings to the Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service on February 27 and March 1. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Yung Ku, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa. Over the two days, nearly 700 participants joined both in person and online to take part in the solemn ritual of inviting the Buddhas, making offerings to the Triple Gem, and expressing gratitude to the Dharma protectors.

On February 28, youth members from Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, together with the Temple’s Lion and Dragon Dance Team, visited Westminster Court Senior Apartments to host a Lunar New Year celebration for residents. Through auspicious lion dance performances, guzheng music, a screening of The Life of the Buddha, and a vegetarian afternoon tea, the group shared festive joy and companionship with the community. The event drew 55 residents, including a 101-year-old senior who joined the gathering and enjoyed the warm celebration amid heartfelt New Year blessings.

During the Lunar New Year season, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds each day. A highlight for many was a vibrant wall installation in the Five Contemplations Hall featuring the New Year message of Fo Guang Shan founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun—“Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.” The artwork, depicting spirited horses alongside cheerful young monastics, quickly became a popular photo spot for guests.

Resounding drums and vibrant lion dances filled Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on February 22 (the sixth day of the Lunar New Year), as nearly 400 guests gathered for the 2026 New Year Cultural Showcase, themed “Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.” Families and community members came together to celebrate the season through culture, artistry, and shared blessings.

On February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year, nearly 7,000 devotees and community members gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to offer prayers and usher in the Year of the Horse with renewed faith and aspiration. Following the Thousand Buddhas Dharma Service, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan expressed sincere appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers whose dedicated service ensured the orderly and uplifting success of the celebrations, and extended blessings of peace and auspiciousness for the year ahead.