VESAKH-FEST 2024 im Westpark

In the organizer's words:

The most important festival in the Buddhist calendar will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Munich Buddhists will celebrate the Buddha's birthday with a varied cultural program. The East Asia Ensemble in Westpark provides the perfect setting - with the Nepal Pagoda, Thai Sala and Japan Garden.

The festival begins at 1 pm with the ceremonial entry of the Buddha statue accompanied by the traditional Chinese lion dance and then by a group of Thai dancers. It ends at around 8.30 pm with a joint candle ceremony - a candlelight procession around the Thai Sala.

Here are some of the program points:

• Meditations and ceremonies of the various Buddhist traditions.
• Lectures on various Buddhist topics and introductions to meditation.
• Buddhist recitations, Chinese lion dance, traditional Mongolian music, Japanese Shakuhachi flutes, Tai Ji, Qi Gong, Thai dance, mantra chanting, Tibetan dances.
• In the children's program: Children discover Buddhism: with fairy tales, painting and handicrafts. For children aged 4 and over. (Aryatara Institute)
• Closing with the popular candle ceremony.

And of course, Thai and Tibetan vegetarian delicacies will be served.

The festival will take place whatever the weather!

All events are free of charge, but we do ask for a small donation.

The Bavarian radio station has broadcast a nice report about the festival:

This festival is organized by the working group Vesakh-Fest, which consists of the following associations:

• Aryatara Institut e.V.
• Buddha-Haus Meditation and Study Center e.V.
• Community for Mindful Living Bavaria e.V.
• Wat-Thai German-Thai Buddhist Association in Germany e.V.

Many other artists and Buddhist groups will be participating with cultural and spiritual contributions. See program items.

Several Buddhist groups and centers will have information stands at the festival where you can find out about Buddhism and Buddhist activities in Munich and the surrounding area. See Participating groups.