The Buddha's Birthday is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world on the first Saturday in May. So happy Buddha's Birthday to you!
The witchlet and I trekked into town yesterday to check out the beginning of the celebrations. We started out with a ride on a big Ferris wheel type thing, which was great fun and gave us great views of the city.
Our trademark blue skies were a tad overcast, which was good in a way as it wasn't too hot. In this photo you can see the north side of the river, the Victoria Bridge, North Quay, and what everyone in Brisbane affectionately refers to as the "Gotham City building".
We saw some beautifully costumed dancers doing their thing.
And my personal favourites, the Dragons and drummers.The witchlet loved watching them cavort around. They paid homage to the Buddha and laid an offering, and then mucked around with the crowd, much to the crowd's delight.
I was a little disappointed with the stalls. They were obviously catering for westerners and there was Dora the Explorer as far as the eye could see. I did manage to find a little stall run by some nuns and picked up some prayer flags and a mala (roseary). The witchlet had a great time and was very pleased with the proper Chinese fan that I bought for her.
I loved seeing the walkways through South Bank decorated with orange lanterns.
Have a great weekend, however you are spending it.
