Moon festival returns this weekend

CELEBRATE the Harvest Moon Festival in style with a special event at the Dai Gum San Precinct on Saturday.

The occasion, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, marks when the autumn moon when it’s brightest and is held to give thanks for a hopefully prosperous harvest.

It is also a time for families to get together, with a big focus placed on wellbeing between relatives and friends.

President of the Bendigo Chinese Association, Doug Lougoon, said this year’s event has been extended from one hour to three.

“[There’s the] opportunity to sit down and relax and have a look at the performances and enjoy dinner as well,” he said.

While the southern hemisphere has a different harvest schedule, Mr Lougoon said there is still cause for celebration.

“We look at it the opposite way around here, hopefully we’ll get a good harvest out of the season,” he said. “It’s a big celebration of harvest and a great time for family reunions.”

There will be a wide selection of food from different Asian cultures, including Vietnamese banh mi, Indian tandoori, and a range of Chinese meals.

Entertainment is provided by BCA, the HH Kong Fu Club, the Indian Association of Bendigo, the Karen Culture and Social Support Foundation, and Mugi Rahayu Gamelan.

There will also be a special appearance from Yar Loong, the night dragon.

Mr Lougoon said the festival has been organised with different cultural groups across the region.

“Bendigo has really shown itself to be a very welcoming and multicultural society as we’ve moved through the 21st century,” he said.

“It’s great to see the cooperation between the different groups… we’re very happy to cooperate with other cultural organisations around town to put on this free community event.”

The Harvest Moon Festival is on from 5pm to 8pm at the Dai Gum Precinct this Saturday.