A Journey Through Time: BW Monastery’s Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration 2025
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Chinese culture, BW Monastery held a vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on 4 October, themed around immersive Chinese cultural experiences.
Stepping into the monastery that evening felt like traveling back in time — to the days of ancient Chinese dynasties. The grounds were alive with the sights and sounds of tradition: visitors dressed in elegant hanfu (汉服) roamed about like time travelers, while the “old-town” streets came alive with pop-up vendors, performances, and cultural showcases, recreating the warmth and charm of a bygone era.
We were deeply honoured to have the Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung, and Members of Parliament, Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Ng Shi Xuan, grace the event. Their presence brought great encouragement to our volunteers and participants, as they joined in the festivities, engaged warmly with the public, and showed heartfelt care to everyone present.
A Cultural Adventure Across Levels
The celebration spanned the entire monastery, with each level offering a unique cultural experience:
Level 1: Old Town Streets
The first level transformed into a bustling traditional marketplace. Visitors, acting as “civilians,” explored rows of vendor booths offering items such as gua sha tools, bracelets, and plushies. To make their “purchases,” participants had to earn in-game currency by interacting with our costumed “non-player characters” — including familiar figures like Chang’e and Hou Yi — and playing mini-games that tested wit and teamwork.
Level 3: Hanfu & Handcrafts
Hands-on creativity took center stage on Level 3! Participants had the chance to try on hanfu costumes for photos, or craft their own vintage accessories such as fans and hairpins. The space was also filled with DIY food stations, where families made mooncakes and other traditional treats to bring home — adding a personal, heartfelt touch to their Mid-Autumn experience.
Level 4: Games & Discovery
Laughter echoed throughout Level 4, where both children and adults enjoyed treasure hunts, puzzles, and riddle challenges. Every corner offered a sense of discovery, sparking joy across all ages.
Performances that Celebrated the Festival Spirit
The celebration culminated in a series of performances at the Main Shrine Hall, where music and art brought the festival’s spirit to life. Groups such as Zest P1 and P2 classes, Chinese Orchestra, The Odds Dance and Jamband, and Yazers, among others, delivered soulful and dynamic performances inspired by the Mid-Autumn theme. Their harmonious vocals and expressive instrumentals filled the hall with warmth, joy, and community spirit.
A Night of Culture, Joy, and Connection
The 2025 Mid-Autumn celebration at BW Monastery was more than a festive event — it was a meaningful reminder of how culture can bring people together across generations. Through creativity, participation, and heartfelt engagement, everyone who attended became part of a living expression of Chinese heritage.
