On Lunar New Year's Eve, January 28, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Snake with vibrant festivities, bringing together devotees, community leaders, and dignitaries.The celebrations featured the Lunar New Year’s Eve Dharma Service, the bustling Fo Guang New Year Fair, and the interactive digital experience Journey to the Buddha’s Realm. The temple also welcomed esteemed guests, fostering a shared celebration of the New Year while showcasing the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, led more than ten distinguished guests in extending New Year’s blessings to the community. Among them were The Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business; Mr. Lawrence Y. Liang, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto; The Hon. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business; Mississauga City Councillor Martin Reid; representatives from the Peel Regional Police; and BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam. As an important cultural tradition, they lit the New Year incense offering and struck the Peace Bell, symbolizing prayers for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

Venerable Chueh Fan shared an uplifting New Year’s Dharma words from the late Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan: “Keep going, the future is bright.” She explained that just as a snake moves with flexibility, life requires adaptability. Encouraging the community to set aspirations, uphold the Three Acts of Goodness, and navigate challenges with humility and courage, she emphasized that dedicating oneself to serving society would pave the way for a brighter future.

Minister Valdez expressed her joy in celebrating the Lunar New Year annually at Fo Guang Shan. Despite a heavy snowstorm, the strong presence of community leaders reflected the widespread recognition and support for the temple and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA). She extended her heartfelt wishes for a joyful and peaceful New Year.

Director-General Lawrence Y. Liang commended Fo Guang Shan and BLIA for their invaluable contributions to the local community, highlighting the temple’s role in preserving cultural traditions while fostering stability and comfort.

MPP Nina Tangri praised the temple and its volunteers for their unwavering dedication, describing Fo Guang Shan as an inspiring and dignified space. She shared that her connection with the temple spans nearly a decade, even before becoming an MPP, and that each visit brings her a profound sense of peace and strength. She also emphasized Toronto’s vibrant and inclusive multicultural environment.

Mississauga City Councillor Martin Reid, representatives from the Peel Regional Police, and BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam also extended their Lunar New Year greetings. Guests then enjoyed a dynamic lion dance performance, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, before exploring the lively New Year Fair.

At 11 PM, dignitaries joined Venerable Chueh Fan in striking the Peace Bell at the temple’s east-side outdoor entrance, offering prayers for global peace. Despite the severe snowstorm causing difficult transportation conditions and even power outages in some areas, many devotees made the journey to the temple, with some arriving as late as midnight to offer their first incense of the New Year. Throughout the day, nearly 3,500 people from diverse backgrounds gathered at Fo Guang Shan Toronto, united in joy, reverence, and hope as they welcomed 2025.