Christchurch-based Tibetan Buddhist Centre – one of the Dhargyey Buddhist Centres of New Zealand – will be celebrating the Year of Earth Dog 2145, on February 17 and 18, with the local Tibetan families participating, and everyone else invited to join them for the most festive time of the year – the Tibetan New Year.
Centre officials said, “The Year of Earth Dog represents loyalty, protection and friendship. The Tibetan tradition for the start of a new year is to build merit, create prosperity and remove obstacles.
The day starts with offerings of white silk khatas and money to His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Buddha.
Then we pray for happiness to all and remove all obstacles for oneself and all beings. Special Tibetan meals and tea will be served.
There will also be some Tibetan dancing, and fire puja – a special ceremony and prayers requesting assistance to receive help from dakinis and deities.”