Brightening the night: The group of walkers from the Picnic 4 Peace Family Lantern Walk.
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About 60 people gathered at the serene Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake on Saturday, September 23, for an event that bridged cultures and kindled hopes of harmony.
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The occasion was the Picnic 4 Peace Family Lantern Walk, a gathering that intertwined the observance of World Peace Day and the vibrant festivities of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, a cherished tradition in Chinese culture.
Setting sail: Handmade lantern on the lake.
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Since 2015, Picnic 4 Peace has been a stalwart advocate for world peace, crafting a spectrum of events that foster unity and understanding.
This year’s commemoration took a luminous turn with a lantern walk, where each flickering light symbolised a beacon of hope for a peaceful future, a guiding star in the darkest of times.
Personal touch: Saraswati and Buddha Gubhaju with their handmade lanterns.
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Speaker Declo Bisimwa encouraged attendees to wish for peace in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, and the world.
Message of hope: Declo Bisimwa sharing some thoughts on peace.
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“May the echoes of conflict fade away, giving rise to harmony and healing in the hearts of all people,” he said.
“Let us envision a future where the sound of laughter surpasses the sound of guns, where children play under the same sky, unhindered by fear or violence.
Getting involved: Dustan Slo with his handmade lantern.
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“Together, let us strive towards a world where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and every nation stands united in the pursuit of peace.”
Jia Xin Ch Ng Abby, a Chinese native of Malaysia, also spoke at the event.
Lunar snack: Jia Xi Ch Ng Abby sharing traditional Moon Cakes for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
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She said the mid-autumn festival is a day of reunion and family, with people enjoying the moon together, eating moon cake and carrying lanterns.
Proud: Elsa Harun and Rusminiwatii with their lanterns.
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“When I was young, my mum made me lanterns every year in different styles,” she said.
“I’m glad that I now have the chance to make lanterns with my children and friends here.
Sharing culture: Jia Xi Ch Ng Abby and Meishan Lin holding their handmade Chinese lanterns.
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“I had a wonderful time in the process and can pass on my culture to my children.”
Walking together: Sandra Saenz and Rafael Saenz with their handmade lanterns.
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She said it was really special to celebrate world peace and the mid-autumn festival together and wished the world peace and reunion.
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