A Muhibbah Celebration: The Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar
Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar by Kechara’s Sunday Dharma School, 2016
Dear friends,
The Lantern Festival, more widely known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, with a full moon at night. During the Lantern Festival, children celebrate with processions of paper lanterns while the adults enjoy mooncakes with their friends and families.
In ancient times, the festival celebrated three fundamental concepts which are closely linked to one another:
- Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival. It is said the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day, an auspicious sign symbolising family reunion.
- Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest or for harmonious unions.
- Praying or worshipping.
Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around these three concepts. Although emphasis on the traditions has changed over time due to changes in technology, science, economy, culture and religion, the essence of focusing on well-being and togetherness has remained. Hence an important part of the festival celebration is moon worship. The ancient Chinese believed in rejuvenation and associated this with the moon and water.
There is an ancient fable that exists to explain the origins of this festival. As the story goes, the sun and the moon are a couple and the stars are their children. When the moon is pregnant, it becomes round and then becomes crescent-shaped after giving birth to a child. These beliefs made it popular among women to worship and give offerings to the moon on this evening. Offerings are also made to the well-known lunar deity, Chang’e who is the Moon Goddess of Immortality.
The lanterns used in ancient times were fairly simple, and only the emperor and nobility had large ornate ones. As times changed, modern day lanterns have become increasingly elaborate and embellished with many complex designs. In keeping with the times, these lanterns have even been upgraded with the use of battery candles instead of real candles.
Mooncakes are another hallmark and tradition of the Lantern Festival. The round shape of the mooncake represents completeness and reunion. It is common practice to share and enjoy round mooncakes with family members and friends during the week of the festival.
So as you can see, this festival is very popular for young and old alike. As a way to enshrine this tradition, some of our Kechara members recently organised a celebration to commemorate this festival. I commend the volunteer team who took time off their busy schedules to organise the Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar. I was especially happy to see the inclusion of underprivileged children in this festival. I thank my Kecharians for their kindness, for giving back to the community and for raising awareness of the importance of a harmonious and united society. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many departments who sponsored and supported this event and made it a success.
Tsem Rinpoche
September 3, 2016 was a memorable day as we witnessed the extent that some people would go to in order to benefit others. It was an event where teachers from Kechara’s Sunday Dharma School (KSDS), kind sponsors and members from all walks of life came together for a noble purpose – to give back to the community through the Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar. Many people put in valuable time, effort and energy into this event that brought the Kechara organisation, friends and families, the local community, orphanages, charity organisations and entertainers all under one roof. This event was open to the public and many responded positively.
The canopy being set up the day before the event in front of Kechara House
The backdrop of the stage was designed and constructed by KSDS’s creative teachers – Jesvin Ng, Wong Yew Kien and Ray Thing
Preparatory work underway for the event
Volunteers and KSDS teachers started the preparations early
KSDS teachers helped set up the canopy
KSDS teachers and volunteers helped arranged the stalls
This was the second event of 2016 presented by KSDS since the Art Exhibition held on Wesak Day in May. The core team for this event was Grace Tan, Asyley Chia and Jayce Goh who laboured for months to seek sponsorship, source for merchandise and oversee preparations. Like the saying “The value of sunrise is known to people who were in the darkness”, those who worked hard for the event enjoyed the fruits most and that was to see participants benefit from it.
Core team member Grace Tan finally has a break
Core team member Asyley Chia hanging an event banner at a strategic location weeks before the event
Core team member Jayce Goh and her contented smile
Food @ The Bazaar
The Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar was held outside Kechara House at SunwayMas Commercial Centre in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. There were 43 stalls of goodies that were either subsidised or fully funded by local businesses and the community. In support of the charity event, they contributed a variety of goodies, ranging from sizzling local hawker food to branded children’s fashion gear. Besides having the kind sponsors, over 40 volunteers proactively offered their time to make the event a success. Some of the external volunteers were of different faiths but supported this good cause anyway as they acknowledged no boundaries in doing good work.
An ample variety of food choices were made available that night:
Mooncakes
- Vegetarian mooncakes fully sponsored by Kechara Oasis
- Shanghai mooncakes fully sponsored by Grace Tan
- Proceeds from Yu Ai mooncakes were partially donated to Kechara by Jane from Yu Ai
Street Foods
- Vegetarian Hand Rolls and Sushi Boxes fully sponsored by Eric Tan of Ric Sushi
- Popiah and Rojak fully sponsored by Kelly Tay, Wanda Daly, Loraine Yong, Doris Ong, Lim Joo Kheng, Goh Tiang Yong and Adrian Poon
- Fried Meehoon and Fried Rice fully sponsored by Philip Loh
- Fried Meehoon and Fried Rice for orphans fully sponsored by Lynn Lew
- Fried Meehon fully sponsored by Tai Ah Kheong
- Fried Radish Cakes fully sponsored by Lee Geit Hong
- Mee Mamak fully sponsored by Kechara Oasis
Fresh Fruit
- Jackfruit fully sponsored by Eric Chan from Dulai Fruits
- Pomelo fully sponsored by Yoke Peng
Snacks
- Crackers, Tibetan Tingmo, Momo, Shabalay and pickled green papaya fully sponsored by Kechara Oasis
- Nasi Pulut fully sponsored by Wong Gan Mooi @ Wong Li Moy
- Herbal Eggs fully sponsored by Chin Sook Guan
- Bread fully sponsored by Diem Café
- Homemade Cupcakes fully sponsored by Kwek Siew Hong and Reese Thon
Beverages
- Cocomax fully sponsored by Daniel Yong of Starkiss Food Corp
- Bottled Mineral Water fully sponsored by Mr Seow of Tai Tong
- Lemongrass Juice fully sponsored by Kechara Oasis
- Packet Soya Bean Milk fully sponsored by Jess Loke
- Dilem Orange Juice fully sponsored by Daniel Yong of Starkiss Food Corp
- Proceeds from the sales of Nutrigen were partially donated to Kechara by Chak Lee Huey and Tee Shin Shin
Desserts
- Ice-cream fully sponsored by Hayden Yap
- Cendol fully sponsored by Kelly Tay, Wanda Daly, Loraine Yong, Doris Ong, Lim Joo Kheng, Goh Tiang Yong and Adrian Poon
- Durian Balls fully sponsored by Daniel Yong of Starkiss Food Corp
- Pudding fully sponsored by Tay Mei Ling
- Pumpkin Sago fully sponsored by Cheng Yeok Kue
Frozen/Dried foods
- Sunflower Thai Fragrant Rice in 5kg bags fully sponsored by Ms Lai from YHL Trading
- Dried Yellow Noodles fully sponsored by Hong Fresh Noodles Specialist
- Frozen SK Paratha fully sponsored by Daniel Yong of Starkiss Food Corp
- Vegetarian Burger Patties fully sponsored by Hearty Choice
- Flowering Tea fully sponsored by Yeo Kwai Gin of Kedai Ubat Aw Kah Yan
- Proceeds from the sales of Tai Tong biscuits, vegetarian instant noodles and 3-in-1 instant coffee were partially donated to Kechara by Tai Tong
Vegetarian Sushi and Hand Rolls
Yu Ai mooncakes
Kechara Oasis mooncakes
Pomelos fresh from Tambun, Perak
Volunteers came early to arrange merchandise at the stalls
A volunteer attending to a guest
Pastor Adeline with a young volunteer from KSDS and her friends
Shopping @ The Bazaar
Fashion and Accessories
- Children’s shoes and branded apparel sponsored by Lim Boon Seang
- Soft toys sponsored by Evon Law Chew Ching and Cheah Xin Ying
- Lip balm, mosquito soothing balm and repellent balm produced and sponsored by Grace Tan
- Knitting products sponsored by Heidi Chia Wai Yen
- Handbags sponsored by William Chua
- Mens shoes sponsored by William Chua
Volunteers getting ready for the event
Balloon sponsor Hankidz inflating the balloons
All merchandise neatly arranged by volunteers
Photographers and videographers getting reading for the event, led by KSDS’s main photographer Loh Kwai Yee
Learning and Development
- Balloons sponsored by Hankidz
- Childrens Story Books sponsored by Crystal
- Furry Tails Pet House
One of the Hankidz team members offering a balloon to a guest
The team from Hankidz getting ready to entertain the kids
Cute furry animals made an appearance at the Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar
Charity Booths
- House of Joy Puchong
- Rumah Shalom
- Single Mother Association
- Tong Shin Senior Citizen Care Centre
- Yayasan Sunbeams Home
- Kechara Soup Kitchen
- Malaysian Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Foundation
- Peekaboo Creative Academy
Children from Yayasan Sunbeams Home arriving at the event
Children from Yayasan Sunbeams Home wait in anticipation for the performance to start
Guests fill up the seats
Activities at the bazaar warming up
More and more guests arrive and purchase coupons
Volunteers busy attending to the guests
Food stall volunteers preparing local delights for the crowd
Others
- Helium gas balloons sponsored by Yew Peng Thiam
- Proceeds from the sale of Buddhist offering items were donated to Kechara by Kechara Paradise
- Proceeds from the sale of flower arrangements, posies and soft toys were donated to Kechara by Kechara Blooms
- Lantern and candles sets sponsored by Lee Ser Wor and Sharon Ong
Beautiful items from Kechara Paradise
Lovely merchandise from Kechara Blooms
Foil balloons add a festive flair to the event
Performances
The Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar was not just a charity bazaar but also an event designed to bring awareness to the less fortunate. As students of His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche and inspired by Rinpoche’s compassion for all sentient beings, KSDS reached out with sponsorship to the less fortunate from Yayasan Sunbeams Home, Single Mother Association, House of Joy Puchong, Tong Shin Senior Citizen Care Centre and Rumah Shalom.
The event attracted an estimated 600 people and proved to be a good platform to raise awareness amongst the public of the less fortunate and of the good work of Kechara. The team invited Yayasan Sunbeams Home to join in the fun and offered the Yayasan’s children a platform to showcase their talents with their stage performance that night. The event’s entertainment and performances were provided by Yayasan Sunbeams Home, Peekaboo Creative Academy, Hankidz and Bailamos dance team.
Young volunteers proactively serving guests
A young volunteer promoting healthy dry noodle to guests
A young volunteer confidently explaining the products to guests who were interested
Can anyone answer riddles in both English and Mandarin that were on the colourful lanterns?
Who can resist the all-time favourite local delight, Rojak?
The sizzling hot fried radish cake was a must-try
Make the right choice with healthy vegetarian gourmet food
Ice cream, anyone?
Is it time for dessert yet?
Dedicated young volunteers from KSDS offering their time and energy to make the event a success
Core member of the organising committee, Grace Tan, with her friend and children
How may I help you?
Time to get some mooncakes
Event Schedule
- 6:00pm Opening Speech by Head of Kechara Sunday Dharma School
- 6:15pm Opening Ceremony
- 6:20pm Salsa Performance by Bailamos Dance Team
- 6:30pm Fan Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 6:35pm Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 6:40pm Musical Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 6:45pm Performance by Yayasan Sunbeams Home
- 6:50pm Kids K Pop by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 6:55pm Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 7:00pm Kids Hip Hop by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 7:05pm Performance by Yayasan Sunbeams Home
- 7:10pm Kids Latin Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 7:15pm Teen Hip Hop Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
- 7:30pm Magic Show and Story Telling by Hankidz
- 8:35pm Lantern Parade Preparations
- 8:45pm Lantern Parade
- 9:30pm Lucky Draw
- 9:45pm Closing Ceremony
- 10:00pm Good Night
Children and adults anxiously waiting for the performances to start
Professional photographers take their positions to shoot and record the exciting performances
First, opening speech by Head of KSDS, Pastor Adeline Woon
It was an honour to have Datuk May Phng, the President of Kechara House, officiating the opening ceremony
The energetic trio who were the Masters of Ceremony for the night, from left: Lee Lin Mun, Apple Ang Xia Shi, Alvin Lai Yee Weng
First performance of the night by the professional Bailamos Dance Team
Fan Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
Performance by Yayasan Sunbeams Home
Behind the scenes of the musical performance
Dance performance by Yayasan Sunbeams Home
Kids Hip Hop by Peekaboo Creative Academy
Musical dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
A bustling Kechara House front desk
Luke Chong, professional videographer of Six Studio & Video Studio, volunteering his skills at the event
Many guests and parents taking photos of the performance
Kids Hip Hop by Peekaboo Creative Academy
Kids Latin Dance by Peekaboo Creative Academy
Magic Show and Story Telling by Hankidz
Fun-filled Activities
Despite the thunderstorm that hit at 5 o’clock in the evening, the event drew a huge crowd including walk-ins. Most were there to support a good cause while others were attracted by the great buys and good products on offer at the bazaar. It was truly an enjoyable night for both children and adults with live performances, delicious hot sizzling food, the lantern parade and the chance to be part of a larger meaningful activity.
Pastor Adeline Woon with the emcees of the night
Pastor Henry, President of Kechara Soup Kitchen, giving out goody bags to children from Yayasan Sunbeam Home
The lantern parade, a time to foster closer parent-child relationships
Children get ready to parade their lanterns
Everyone joined in the lantern parade
Pastor Adeline Woon and Grace Tan (far right) with Mr and Mrs Daniel Yong of Starkiss Food Corp
A certificate was given to Luke Chong of Six Studio & Video Studio as a small token of appreciation for their generosity
“Don’t wait for the light. Be the light.” — His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
Drum roll for the lucky draw
Second prize lucky draw winners
Giving out more goods donated by kind sponsors to Yayasan Sunbeams Home
Food Giving
That was not the end! Specially-packed food from the bazaar was donated to Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) to be distributed to the homeless as part of KSK’s routine food run, right after the event on that night itself. The items were:
- 57 packs of jackfruit were added to the food distribution run on the Cahaya Suria route
- 93 cupcakes and muffins were added to the food distribution run in the Segi College and Chow Kit areas
- 79 boxes of fried noodles and “kuih” were specially delivered to the homeless at the Chow Kit area, as well as security guards and cleaners at Damansara Perdana, Tesco Mutiara and BU11 areas
It has been a weekly routine for Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) to distribute food every Saturday midnight
KSK volunteers ready to distribute food to the homeless on the Cahaya Suria route
A volunteer patrols the streets to ensure homeless clients receive food
A volunteer unpacks boxes of homemade food
A volunteer diligently ensuring that everyone receives their share of food
The day after the event, the KSDS team and volunteer parents of KSDS students did not lax in the prevailing mood of benevolence. Together with KSK, the team delivered donated merchandise to homes in need. The team wanted to carry out Rinpoche’s mission of kindness and generosity towards the homeless and less fortunate. The donated merchandise included close to 100 5kg bags of rice, a few hundred packets of yellow dried noodles, cartons of vegetarian cup noodles, bread, cartons of mooncakes, cartons of soya bean milk, mineral water, biscuits, coffee and toys. The recipients of this distribution were:
- Tong Shin Senior Citizen Care Centre in Kuala Lumpur that houses around 60 senior citizens including those with critical illnesses. Some of these old people have been abandoned by their families because they were unable to pay the hospital bills. They came to live in Tong Shin Senior Citizen Care Centre after the hospital contacted them to care for these abandoned old people.
- House of Joy, a Christian centre in Puchong that is run by Lesley and the children. They have three homes in the Klang Valley area and one near Karak. In total, the four homes care for over 80 children and more than 20 senior citizens, including disabled folk.
A full load of goodies ready to be distributed to people in need
A wonderful collaboration between KSDS and KSK
Getting ready to unload these goodies for people in need
- Pertubuhan Ibu Tunggak Semarak Kasih Selangor in Klang that has over 30 children in its care. The children housed here are from single parents who needed a place to care for the children while they work to earn a living, without having to worry about their children’s safety.
- Rumah Shalom in Puchong, run by Christian Pastor Arun who cares for a total of 40 orphans.
A group picture after distribution is done at Tong Shin Senior Citizens Care Centre
Volunteers help unload the food from the truck
The core team and the house assistant at Pertubuhan Ibu Tunggak Semarak Kasih Selangor in Klang
Everyone happily working under the hot sun for charity
A happy group photo after food distribution at Rumah Shalom
Happy faces after the team distributed food at House of Joy
Special Thanks
The team worked very hard to make the Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar and food distribution a success. Some of them took a leave of absence from work to plan and execute this event and were fortunate to be supported by understanding colleagues at work. The team is very grateful and appreciative of each and every contribution from benevolent members of society.
The organising committee would like to give special thanks to all sponsors who took the time and effort to be part of this event. Heartfelt gratitude goes to:
- Absolute Thai
- Bailamos Dance Team
- Hankidz Kids Leadership Coaching
- Hong Fresh Noodles Specialist Sdn. Bhd.
- Kechara Oasis
- Peekaboo Creative Academy
- Pulpa’s Malaysia Tropical Fruits
- Ric Sushi
- SK Kitchen
- Syarikat Perniagaan Tai Tong
- YHL Goup
- Yu Ai Food Industries Sdn. Bhd.
- Ms Heidi Chia
- Mr Philip Loo
- Ms Teoh Yoke Peng
- Mr Thoo Chee Yoon
The team would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to generous donors who contributed directly to facilitate the setup and launching of the Lantern Festival Charity Bazaar. They are:
| 1. Mr & Mrs Too | 2. U R My Pet House Sdn. Bhd. | 3. Frankie Poon |
| 4. Lee Lin Mun | 5. Yong Mei Lan, Loh Kwai Chee, Chak Lee Huey, Tee Shin Shin, H’ng Lee Cheng | 6. Lee Ser Wor |
| 7. Zoe Lee | 8. Grace Lai | 9. Tan Li Chin |
| 10. Wong Soo Moy | 11. Lew Pui San | 12. Angel Chong |
| 13. Dorothy | 14. Owen Chen | 15. Elaine |
| 16. Grace Tan | 17. Lim Boon Seang | 18. Lin Yok Kong |
| 19. Amelia Ong | 20. Julie Cheng | 21. Anonymous |
| 22. Chan Lee Quen | 23. Sia Chiu Duan | 24. Jean How |
| 25. Michelle Lee | 26. Anonymous | 27. Tan Ray Liam |
Not forgetting Kechara Soup Kitchen, Kechara Paradise and Kechara Blooms for participating in the event. Lastly, the team is grateful to have Kechara House’s continuous support in making arrangements to allow for the event to take place smoothly. Most of the all, the team would like to thank Rinpoche for instilling in all Kecharians a precious sense of duty to care for the less fortunate and to practise Dharma through our actions transcending race, creed and religion.
Volunteers behind the scenes
Happy family had a good time at the bazaar
Children from Yayasan Sunbeam Home enjoying their food
Hankidz balloons were one of the popular items at the bazaar
Addendum
Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia, founded by His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, believes in the importance of unity and harmony, and therefore continuously strives to give back to society in various forms and ways. Stay tuned for more exciting events from Kechara, or visit us at:
Kechara House
No. 7, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
SunwayMas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7803 3908
Fax: +603 7803 3108
Email: care@kechara.com
Opening Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 1pm – 10pm
Thursday & Friday: 1pm – 6pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9am to 1pm
Kechara Forest Retreat
Lot 3189, Jalan Chamang
Bentong, Pahang.
Read more about KFR here.
A guest amused by one of the performances
KSDS parents and children attending in support of the event
Happy balloon, happy boy
KSDS teacher with her student
KSDS teachers demonstrated teamwork
Dedicated, caring and loving KSDS teachers
Core team members Grace Tan and Asyley Chia with the emcees of the night
A big and happy group photo
For more interesting information:
- Raising Nice Kids According to Harvard Scientists
- How they all did it?
- We Are Our Parents?
- Visiting my parents – Tsem Rinpoche
- Volunteer As Pre-School Dharma Teacher
- Why I Conceived of Kechara Soup Kitchen or KSK
- Rinpoche’s Giving – A roof for those without a shelter
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Thank you to Pastor Adeline and all volunteers, organisations who could turn a cultural event to an event that focused on services and giving. Looking forward to more events from Kechara that are centered around being more conscious to the needs of the community.
Wow! This is a beautiful event with so many people coming together to bring happiness to those less fortunate. The many pictures tell how much fun everyone had. Many kind people have invested their time and resources for something meaningful. I rejoice very much for everyone.
Thank you Rinpoche, Pastor Adeline, KSDS teachers and the many volunteers and sponsors for making this possible.
Thank you Pastor Adeline for the wonderful write up of the happenings on Mid Autumn night.
Tremendous great efforts by the teachers of KSDS and all the volunteers to make the event a successful one.
It is always in these times of great meanings that we should be thinking of giving back to society. Usually when everyone is happily celebrating, there are many who are forgotten.. I am really happy to see how great people from Kechara give back to community by planning such a special event.
All the food, fun, activities, and even give aways at the end of it for KSK runs.
Truly momentous night for those who attended… thank you!
In the Muhhibah style celebration of the Lantern Festival at Kechara House, tradition opens up to the lovely spirit of giving. On this occasion, the Mooncake and Lantern Festival, which had always been a cultural tradition of family reunions, was transformed into a charity bazaar, and the less fortunate were invited to share in the joy and excitement of the event. Children from the Yayasan Sunbeam Home were invited to participate in the evening’s fun performances as well as carry the lanterns around later that evening. The evening’s main attraction was the pure bliss of the food paradise of a bazaar, with hot delicious vegetarian food served by many stalls!
On the same night , food from the bazaar was taken to be distributed to the homeless on Kechara Soup Kitchen’s food distribution round of Cahaya Suria. The next day, with the help of Kechara Soup Kitchen, the Kechara Sunday Dharma School teachers and volunteers went on a round of distribution of food supplies to various Homes for the disadvantaged.
Kudos to Pastor Adeline and the teachers of the Kechara Sunday Dharma School (for kids) for their hard work, team spirit and initiative, planning so far ahead of time, to ensure the success of the Lantern Festival Charity bazaar.
Beautiful to see Malaysians from all walks of life, young and old coming together in harmony to enjoy an ancient Chinese celebration. But what’s most important and wonderful is the how the team got together and made this a positive festival of giving back to the community!
It goes to show that when we work together in harmony for a common goal, anything is possible. What more when the motivation is set right to bring happiness to others, it can only result into happiness in return. I see many exhausted looking faces but in the end satisfied, fulfilled and happy – a kind of happiness that reinforces positive energy of a caring compassionate conscientious attitude. And this positive light can be passed on to others, to a community, and then passed on to expand in a society, and then a whole nation and eventually the whole world. This is my visualisation of how kindness and compassion can expand. I am sure this is possible but it definitely has to start somewhere first, from a simple act, a simple gesture, a simple event… like this colourful lantern festival.
So bravo and truly rejoice to the team and all those who made this a truly beautiful and meaningful Lantern or Mid-Autumn Festival!
Thank you Rinpoche or sharing this article. Rejoice to the main organizers who get the whole event running smoothly. Rejoice to all the teachers of KSDS who make the whole event happened! This is indeed a very meaningful event. Despite moon cake festival is a Chinese traditional festival, the most memorable one is the smile on those children’s face. It’s so heart warming. Other than arranging the children from the orphanage to join the event, we could actually sponsor the coupons for the children to buy food in the event. The event even brought forward to the next day where Pastor Adeline, Justin and the parents deliver the food to the orphanage and some homes. This event had doubled the meaning and double the joy. Chinese festival is usually celebrate with family. But for those unfortunate one, we celebrate with them to make them feel warm and happy. To celebrate festival is indeed important, but to bring happiness to the unfortunate one, to put a smile on their face in this special festival, is indeed priceless. The feeling we got is indescribable. Thank you again Rinpoche for the article and most importantly, the festival 🙂 _/\_
A very hearty congratulations to the Organising Committee of KSDS, volunteers, guests and helpers of all young and old for such a successful, happy and well-organised Lantern Festival of 2016 held at Kechara House. It was said to be indeed a very well enjoyable occassion for both children and aldults, which was supported by many walk-ins too, who have showed a good compassionate cause for the great buys of so many interesting products for charity. It was said to be a truly fun-filled charity of activities for one and all, who participated! This is indeed great team-work well done!
Rejoice for all the volunteers and KSDS teacher who involved in this meaning event keep up the good work continue to host more event to the public in order to create awareness about Kechara .
Kudos to the KSDS and volunteers for a job well done. It’s wonderful to see kids with happy faces.
Lantern festival is very cultural. It’s not celebrated in a big way by families these days but usually observed just for the kids’ enjoyment. I remember that as kids, we looked forward every year to go to Petaling Street to choose our brand new lanterns made of colourful cellophane. We would light the candles after dinner and walk around the huge hospital compound in the dark, at the same time being very scared of our surroundings, as you know, the nurses tell you all kinds of stories about hospitals and night time. We used to live in the hospital as my mother was the Matron of the hospital. Those were the happiest times of my life and I recall them so vividly in my mind.
I look back in time past with a kind of sadness. Nothing will bring them back, loved ones, youth, happy times, people, old house, garden, familiar faces faded into the distance. Nothing lasts.
This is a great event to be honest. Many were involved to do hold this event successfully. What i love the most is when they also cared for the less fortunates and homeless by extending the donated items to all who needed it. Great team work and effort! Kudos to all involved!