The Karen Buddhist Dhamma Dhutta Foundation organised the first Karen Wrist Tying Festival in Bendigo in 2011. The whole community was involved in the festival.
Wrist Tying is a cultural practice in India, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Different cultures and religions give different meanings to the practice of wrist tying.
For Karen Christians, Buddhists and Animists the Wrist Tying Festival symbolises renewing bonds within families and community. When Christians and Buddhists, Karens and Australians celebrate the festival together it becomes a symbol of community solidarity.
In addition to traditional Karen Wrist Tying Festival, the monastery holds Buddhist wrist tying ceremonies for individuals or families when requested. Buddhist wrist tying ceremony is a part of Sri Lankan, Thai and Lao culture also and we are happy to perform the ceremony for everyone.