More than 2,000 devotees participated in the activities, many of whom were youths.

Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong conducted the Prayer Ritual to begin the ceremony. The Abbot President, followed by the DDM Sangha and devotees, slowly circled the Center kneeling down to prostrate every three steps; thus celebrating the arrival of 2013 and to purify the mind.

The one-hour event ended with everyone chanting the holy name of Amitabha Buddha ‘Nanmo Amitofou’, making vows, and transmitting merits in the Grand Buddha Hall.

(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)