THE 2026 ULLAMBANA FESTIVAL AT QUANG MINH TEMPLE: A SACRED MILESTONE IN BUDDHIST DEVOTION AND A HISTORIC EVENT FOR THE MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY
To our respected community members, venerable monastics, and distinguished guests,
On the beautiful morning of August 23, 2026, under a clear blue sky and gentle spring sunshine, the vibrant pink and red cherry blossoms in full bloom before the Grand Main Hall (Dai Hung Buu Dien) set a breathtaking and tranquil scene. Amidst this serene atmosphere, thousands of Buddhist devotees from all walks of life gathered with one heart at their spiritual home: Quang Minh Temple (Victoria, Australia). This year’s Ullambana Festival (Mother’s Day in Buddhism) felt exceptionally historic and sacred, beautifully coinciding with the peak of the cherry blossom season.
The Sacred Procession and the Official Welcome of the Government Delegation
At 10:30 AM, Buddhist families dressed in traditional attire gathered in solemn devotion to commence the formal procession, reverently escorting the Venerable Monastics to the Main Hall to initiate the sacred rituals.
By 11:00 AM, a historic diplomatic moment unfolded at the temple’s main gates. The Management Committee, alongside thousands of cheering devotees and community members, extended a spectacular welcome to a high-level Victorian Government delegation led by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Ben Carroll, accompanied by state ministers and members of parliament. The celebration commenced with a traditional firecracker display and a vibrant lion dance. The Premier walked along the path lined with blooming cherry blossoms, warmly shaking hands and exchanging greetings with members of the Vietnamese-Australian community.
On this auspicious occasion, Dr. Nhan Pham formally introduced the members of the Quang Minh Temple Management Committee and presented an overview of the upcoming Multicultural Community Cultural Centre project. Following the introductions, the delegation was escorted to the Main Hall, where the Abbot, Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, extended a warm welcome and guided the official guests into the main auditorium for the formal ceremony.
The festival was deeply honoured by the presence of prominent federal, state, and local dignitaries, including:
· The Hon. Ben Carroll MP – Premier of Victoria.
· The Hon. Daniel Mulino MP – Federal Member for Fraser.
· The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP – State Minister for Veterans, Small Business, Youth, and Victoria's Multicultural Affairs.
· The Hon. Luba Grigorovich MP – State Member for Kororoit.
· Ms. Sarah Connolly MP – State Member for Laverton.
· Cr. Cuc Lam – Councillor for Maribyrnong City Council.
· Ms. Cam Nguyen, Ms. Thanh-Kham, and various representatives from community associations and local councils.
Solemn Sacred Rituals and Historic Government Pledges
Inside the Grand Main Hall, Venerable Thich Phuoc Thai, together with the Master of Ceremonies, coordinated the official proceedings with seamless grace and profound dignity. The ceremony commenced with a traditional flower offering dance dedicated to the Buddhas—a highly artistic performance that deeply moved the congregation. Following the performance, the entire audience rose to their feet, welcoming the government delegation into the hall with a resounding round of applause.
The Abbot, Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, then delivered the opening address. On behalf of the temple, the Venerable Abbot extended his warmest welcomes to The Hon. Daniel Mulino, The Hon. Natalie Suleyman, The Hon. Luba Grigorovich, Ms. Sarah Connolly, Cr. Cuc Lam, Ms. Cam Nguyen, and Ms. Thanh-Kham. He shared profound spiritual insights regarding the deep significance of the Ullambana Festival—a sacred season dedicated to filial piety, expressions of gratitude towards parents, and the remembrance of ancestral roots.
Following Abbot's speech, Premier Ben Carroll delivered a historic keynote address. The Premier officially highlighted the Labor Government's latest landmark social welfare policy, announced just two days prior: the introduction of universal free dental care for all Victorians, fulfilling a long-awaited aspiration for dental healthcare across Australia. Furthermore, standing before the congregation at Quang Minh Temple, the Premier officially pledged a $4 million AUD government grant to fund the construction of the Multicultural Community Cultural Centre at the temple. This historic announcement prompted a spontaneous standing ovation from over 1,000 attendees inside and outside the hall, expressing their profound gratitude to the state government.
The Rose-Pinning Ceremony and Sangha Offering
The traditional Rose-Pinning Ceremony (Le Cai Hoa Hong) was subsequently held in a deeply moving and solemn atmosphere. Vibrant red roses were reverently pinned onto the lapels of those blessed to still have their parents living, while pure white roses were worn by those whose parents have departed this life. It was a poignant moment of reflection, filled with boundless love and gratitude for mothers and fathers.
Following the collective chanting of the Ullambana Sutra, the Venerable Monastics proceeded to the dining hall for the Sangha Dana offering, marking the successful completion of the three-month rain retreat (Vassa).
Following the conclusion of the formal religious rites, over 5,000 devotees and guests gathered to enjoy a nutritious, peaceful vegetarian luncheon. Attendees were treated to a special musical performance by the popular Tuy Hong Band, fostering a warm, joyful family atmosphere. Outside in the temple courtyard, another live band continued to play cheerful, melodic tunes, filling the spring air with joy.
A Successful Conclusion and Hopes for the Future
The 2026 Ullambana Festival at Quang Minh Temple concluded with a success that far exceeded all expectations. All three expansive halls of the temple complex reached full capacity. Community members and devotees enthusiastically took beautiful commemorative photographs amidst the blooming cherry blossoms. The landmark event recorded the attendance of over 5,000 community members alongside more than 50 Venerable Monastics representing diverse Buddhist traditions across Australia.
In his closing remarks, Venerable Thich Phuoc Thai expressed his profound gratitude to all attending monastics, government dignitaries, community organizations, volunteers, and devotees whose collective efforts ensured the flawless execution of this grand festival.
By 3:00 PM, the celebrations drew to a close. Attendees departed with hearts filled with spiritual fulfillment, carrying cherished memories of parental love, the spectacular spring scenery of Quang Minh Temple, and immense joy regarding the Victorian Government's landmark welfare announcements and cultural funding. The temple community looks forward to reuniting at the upcoming Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival at 5 pm on 26/09/2026.
May you all be blessed with peace, harmony, and the radiant blessings of the Buddha.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Nhan Pham
Click for more Photo and Video
