Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed more than 5,000 visitors on February 16 for its Chinese New Year’s Eve Dharma Service, marking the pinnacle of its Lunar NewYear celebrations. Devotees and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to offer incense, receive blessings, and joyfully usher in the Year of the Horse. The evening was enriched by a lively New Year Fair, lion and dragon dances, and the traditional God of Wealth procession, with a steady flow of well-wishers continuing until midnight.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent a congratulatory message recognizing the Temple’s longstanding dedication to cultural exchange, charitable outreach, and community service, affirming its meaningful contributions to Canada’s multicultural society.

Presided over by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, the Dharma Service offered prayers for longevity, peace, and auspicious beginnings. The ceremonial offering of New Year incense symbolized gratitude for the year past and the planting of wholesome causes for the year ahead. As the Temple prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this August, the Abbess expressed heartfelt appreciation for the founding vision of VenerableMaster Hsing Yun and encouraged all to move forward together in the spirit of “Harmony and Coexistence.”

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, attended in person to convey the Prime Minister’s greetings, affirming that diversity and mutual respect remain cornerstones of Canada’s strength.

Director General Lawrence Liang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto praised Fo Guang Shan as “a pride of Taiwan,” reflecting its profound cultural and spiritual heritage. He welcomed future visits to the Kaohsiung headquarters as Fo Guang Shan approaches its 60th anniversary.

Former Senator Victor Oh, Mississauga Ward 9 Councillor Martin Reid,and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also extended congratulations, commending the Temple’s three decades of community-rooted service and its role as a vital cultural and spiritual anchor.

The evening concluded with New Year video messages from Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Fo Guang Shan Head Abbot Venerable Hsin Bao, encouraging all to generate aspiration, cultivate compassion and wisdom, and embrace a harmonious and fulfilling year ahead.