A Joyful Beginning to 2026: Buddha’s Light Babies Receive New Year Blessings in Fo Guang Shan Toronto

January 1, 2026

The first day of 2026 was filled with warmth and celebration at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, as families gathered for thefourth annual Buddha’s Light Baby Blessing Ceremony. Centered on New Year blessings and shared joy, the event welcomed 96 children—from newborns to seven years old—together with their parents and grandparents. Nearly 470 participants joined in marking the new year with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt prayers.

The Main Shrine was transformed into a bright and welcoming space, specially arranged to embrace families and young children.Throughout the morning, joyful sounds filled the Main Shrine as parents and children took part in interactive activities, created Three Acts of Goodness wish cards, and enjoyed colorful play sessions designed for different age groups. The atmosphere reflected both festivity and care, offering families a meaningful way to begin the year together.

A special highlight this year was the presence of an “AI photographer”—a friendly robot dressed in a Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) vest—capturing candid moments of joy. Children waved, laughed, and posed naturally, while adults delighted in preserving these precious New Year memories.

During the blessing ceremony, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan led the assembly in chanting the Heart Sutra and recited “The Prayer for the Buddha’s Light Babies,” offering collective blessings for peace, safety, and healthy growth in the year ahead. The Venerables then bestowed blessing bracelets upon each child, symbolizing protection, care, and the loving support of the Buddhist community.

Many families attending were first-time participants, including several three-generation households, highlighting the ceremony’s role as a shared family milestone. Returning families also expressed a strong sense of connection, describing the temple as a place of belonging where children grow up surrounded by kindness, guidance, and positive values.

Rooted in the compassionate vision of Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Buddha’s Light Baby Blessing Ceremony continues to accompany children from diverse backgrounds as they step into anew year. With blessings, joyful interaction, and a spirit of togetherness, the event offered families a hopeful and heartwarming start to 2026.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan sprinkles purified water with blessings, praying for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to protect the children as they grow in peace and safety.
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosts the New Year’s Day Buddha’s Light Baby Blessing Ceremony, welcoming over 470 participants to begin the year with joy and smiles.
Venerable places a blessing bracelet on a baby, offering prayers for protection and healthy growth.
Adorable mascots joyfully interact with children, bringing laughter to the celebration.
Parent–child interactive activities follow the ceremony, filling the main shrine with laughter and happy voices.
The Heart Sutrais chanted collectively, filling the Buddha Hall with a calm and reverent atmosphere.
Each child receives a Three Acts of Goodness wish card and is invited to hang it before the Buddha.
A special “AI photographer,” a robot wearing a Buddha’s Light International Association vest, captures joyful moments for children and adults.
Activities are thoughtfully designed for different age groups, with a traditional first-birthday object-choosing ritual arranged for infants.
Cheerful character mascots engage playfully withyoung participants, delighting families.

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