Chinese New Year Celebration cum Gift Exchange

Reported by: Angeli Patil, MA student
On January 25, 2025, the International Buddhist College (IBC) held a Chinese New Year Celebration cum gift exchange event at 6 p.m. which took place at the IBC main lobby. Filled with the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year, everyone came to celebrate the festival with prepared presents. Anjali and Felicia hosted the event in English and Chinese, respectively. They began the event with a hearty welcome for everyone.

At the start of the ceremony, Ven. Zhen Sheng (Director of Rector Office), Venerable Dipananda and Khenpo Rangdrol lit the candles and incense in front of the Buddha.

Then, Venerable Dipananda led all members to recite the Pāli chant honouring the Triple Gem. Afterwards, Ven. Zhen Sheng greeted everyone for the lunar new year and gave an overview of the programme that evening.

Everyone then participated in a lively but courteous gift exchange – a programme which was both entertaining and fascinating! On behalf of Ven. Dr. Wei Wu, Ven. Zhen Sheng distributed red packets to all members and Ven. Zhen Ti distributed new year gifts, indicating blessings for everybody.

After that, we had a chance to make a new year wish in front of the Buddha, strike the bell and hang our wishes on the Wishing Pavilion. Before the event ended, everyone assembled and enjoyed an entertainment session with light refreshments. Professor Tilak sang two Sri Lankan songs, followed by student performances.

The event marked a fantastic start to the Chinese New Year as all IBC members came together as a family that evening. I also would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all members who supported this event in one way or another.