Shining Bright: A Night of Unity and Benevolence
On the 1st of February 2026 (Sunday), the grounds of Zu Lin Temple were transformed into a radiant sanctuary for the Lunar New Year Lighting-up GALA Dinner. The foyer, converted into a grand banquet setting, hosted over 500 guests across 50 beautifully adorned tables. The evening was a profound celebration of community spirit and the joy of giving, marking the start of a prosperous year of the Horse.
A Day of Double Celebration
The temple’s commitment to serving the community was evident throughout the day. Earlier, Zu Lin Temple co-organized the Senior Citizen Chinese New Year Lunch in partnership with Hong Kah North Grassroots Organisations. The event welcomed over 350 senior residents from the Hong Kah North constituency. Guest-of-Honour Mr. Lee Hong Chuang, Member of Parliament for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and Honourable Adviser to the temple, graced the luncheon. Each senior attendee received an Ang Pao containing a shopping voucher, sponsored by a generous temple donor, spreading festive cheer and warmth.
Ministerial Presence and Philanthropy
We were privileged to welcome Ms. Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Honourable Adviser, as our Guest of Honour for the evening Gala. Her presence added a layer of significance to an evening dedicated to community harmony and social responsibility. In a moving display of the temple’s commitment to education and welfare, the evening featured the presentation of charity cheques to 20 local institutions, ensuring the festive joy reached all corners of society.
A Symphony of Light: The “Lights Up” Moment
The pinnacle of the evening was a breathtakingceremony of light that unified everyone in the foyer. Minister Grace Fu and our distinguished VIPs gathered on stage and placed their hands upon a central crystalline orb—at that moment, rows of traditional Chinese lanterns overhead burst into a warm red glow. Simultaneously, the spirit of unity moved from the stage to the guests. Every attendee held a heart-shaped mini candle, lighting them in unison. In an instant, the foyer was bathed in a soft, flickering glow of warm red light—a powerful visual metaphor for the collective warmth and hope we carry as a community.
A Feast for the Senses
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a meticulously prepared vegetarian banquet. The air was filled with the rhythmic “Lo Hei” shouts of Heng Ong Huat! wishes as the meal commenced.
• Entertainment: Guests were treated to the thunderous energy of a Lion Dance troupe, the Peking Opera by Traditional Arts CenterSingapore, and a visit from the God of Wealth, who distributed chocolates and “gold” to every table. Wonderful emcees and performers also regaled the crowd with an array of multilingual songs designed to appeal to all ages.
A Peaceful Conclusion
As the evening drew to a close, Venerable Abbot Venerable Seck Kwang Phing led the temple’s monastic community and the assembly in a serene chanting of the “Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra.” This sacred recitation filled the hall with a profound sense of peace and blessings, providing a perfect spiritual conclusion to a joyous night of celebration and benevolence.
A Note of Gratitude
This event would not have been possible without our dedicated team of volunteers and staff. To those who helped set the tables, coordinated the performances, and managed the logistics under the leadership of the Organising Committee—thank you for embodying the spirit of service.
May the Year of the Horse bring everyone peace, health, and spiritual fulfillment, and may our nation enjoy prosperity and harmony.
丙午新春亮灯晚宴：欢聚与善行共融之夜
2026年2月1日，竹林寺化身为一片璀璨祥和的圣地，隆重举办农历新年亮灯晚宴。大殿前厅布置成宏伟的宴会场地，50张精美装饰的餐桌迎来了超过500位宾客。此次晚宴深刻体现了社区精神与奉献的喜悦，共同迎接兴旺的马年。
一日双庆，情暖乐龄
寺院服务社区的精神在当日早些时候已充分展现。竹林寺与丰加北基层组织联办了“乐龄新春慈善午宴”，招待了超过350位来自丰加北选区的乐龄居民。午宴主宾、裕廊东–武吉巴督集选区国会议员暨本寺顾问李宏壮先生莅临现场。每位出席的乐龄人士都获得了由热心寺方捐助人赞助、内含购物礼券的“红包”，共享节日温情。
部长莅临与慈善同行
本寺荣幸邀请到永续发展与环境部长暨本寺顾问傅海燕女士作为晚宴主宾。她的莅临为这个致力于社区和谐与社会责任的夜晚增添了厚重的意义。晚宴上举行了感人的慈善支票颁发仪式，向20家本地机构捐赠善款，展现了寺院对教育与社会福利的坚定承诺，让节日的喜悦惠及社会的每个角落。
光影交响：点亮时刻
当晚的高潮是一场震撼人心的亮灯仪式，将全场宾客凝聚在一起。傅海燕部长及各位尊贵嘉宾齐聚舞台，共同将手放在中央的水晶球上的那一刻，全场一排排传统中式灯笼霎时亮起，绽放出温暖的红色光芒。
与此同时，团结的精神从舞台传递至每位宾客。所有与会者手持心形小蜡烛，在同一时刻将其点亮。顷刻间，本寺大殿前沐浴在一片柔和闪烁的温暖红光中——这动人的景象，正是我们作为一个社区所共有的温情与希望的有力象征。
感官盛宴
仪式结束后，宾客们享用了一顿精心准备的素食盛宴。宴席伊始，“捞起”时此起彼伏的“兴旺发”祝贺声响彻大厅，洋溢着喜庆气氛。
宁静终章
晚宴尾声，广品方丈带领本寺法师们与全场信众齐声颂唱《般若波罗蜜多心经》。庄严的诵经声回荡于大殿，为这场充满喜悦与善行的庆典之夜，画上了宁静祥和的句点，更以殊胜法音为大众祈福。
诚挚致谢
本次活动的成功举办，离不开无私奉献的义工团队与工作人员。感谢所有在晚宴筹委会带领下辛勤摆台、协调演出、管理后勤的各位同仁——你们以实际行动诠释了服务精神。
祈愿2026马年为所有人带来平安、健康与心灵的丰足，国泰民安。
