An enlightening cultural feast

THE stunning backdrop of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Myers Flat, the largest Buddhist stupa outside Asia, will play host to another of its semi-regular immersive light festivals on Saturday 17 August.

Enlighten – Hungry Ghost Festival 2024 is based on a traditional Buddhist festival in which people believe that the deceased return to visit the living, looking for food, entertainment and mischief.

The Great Stupa’s marketing and events manager Matthew Griffin said the Enlighten events, which run four times a year, are part of the organisation’s efforts to make the monument as accessible as possible to the wider community.

“Being able to hold these festivals over the weekend and at night allows people who may be a bit busy the opportunity to come out and see the Stupa and experience a different look to the whole place,” he said.

“The Great Stupa itself is quite a beautiful and unique landmark for not just regional Victoria, but Australia too.

“It’s one of those things that you’ve got to come and see. It’s difficult to explain, and that’s just one of the great things about this place. Everybody has their own kind of experience.”

Mr Griffin said cultural performances will be part of the proceedings.

“We’ll be looking to invite the local Karen community to come out and participate as well as other local Asian communities because Hungry Ghost Festival is a popular festival throughout Asia,” he said.

“It’s nice to be able to provide not only a place for people to share their cultures, but for other people to learn about and enjoy that culture too.”

Tickets are available on the Humanitix website or can be purchased on the door, unless sold out.