Buddha's Birthday 2569: "Peace in the World, Compassion in the Heart"

Lantern Lighting Ceremony Held at Gumi City Hall to Celebrate Buddha's Birthday

On April 17, Gumi City in Gyeongbuk held a lantern lighting ceremony at the circular flower bed in front of City Hall to celebrate Buddha's Birthday, the 2569th year of the Buddhist calendar.

Gumi City Hall in Gyeongbuk held a lantern lighting ceremony for Buddha's Birthday.

The event was organized by the Gumi City Hall Buddhist Association and was attended by over 300 people, including Gumi City Buddhist Temple Association President Venerable Woldam, local temple monks, religious organizations, lay Buddhist groups, and Gumi City Hall employees. The ceremony was held under the theme "Peace in the World, Compassion in the Heart."

Participants prayed that the Buddha's compassion and wisdom would spread throughout the local community through the lighting of the lanterns. They also expressed deep condolences for the recent wildfire damage, which began in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk and spread to Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, resulting in a record 45,000 hectares of forest loss and the complete destruction of the thousand-year-old Gounsa Temple.

In particular, the City Hall Buddhist Association gave special meaning to the ceremony by donating 3 million won to support wildfire recovery efforts, putting into practice the Buddha's teaching of generosity.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho said, "At a time when many people are suffering from wildfires, I hope the Buddha's compassion and spirit of generosity will bring comfort and hope to our citizens," adding, "Let us create a new era of hope for Gumi together with our citizens, based on the Buddha's teachings."

Meanwhile, the lanterns at Gumi City Hall will be lit daily from sunset until 10 p.m., and will continue to illuminate the hearts of citizens together until the end of May.

The event titled "Peace in the World, Compassion in the Heart" was held with the attendance of over 300 people, including Gumi City Buddhist Temple Association President Venerable Woldam, local temple monks, religious organizations, lay Buddhist groups, and Gumi City Hall employees.