Lunar celebration builds bridges

Tastebuds will be tempted at a Lunar New Year celebration this Sunday.

The Bunbury Multicultural Group is holding the event and participants will be demonstrating traditional Burmese and Cambodian cooking techniques for guests to tantalise their tastebuds.

The event is a celebration of the end-of-harvest festival and the beginning of the New Year.

The ceremony is shared by Hindus and Buddhists around the world.

Co-chairwoman Daravann Meek explained the Lunar New Year was simular to the western New Year as it was a great time meet upwith family and friends.

The ceremony opens with the lighting of the lamp and the bathing of a Buddha statue that has been blessed by a monk.

This ritual is symbolic of cleansing evil spirits that have gathered over the past year and the washing is symbolic of starting a fresh for the new year.

Traditionally the event is held over three days and during the lead up, time is spent cleaning the house and preparing food for the celebration.

Mrs Meek also believes it is a great time to educate and teach new customs to the people of Bunbury.

‘‘Events like this are great ways to share our culture, build bridges and a good excuse to have party,’’ she said.

Festivities will be at the Cooinda Primary School from noon.