Kwun Yum Festival-觀音誕

Kwun Yum Festival| Areas
Kwun Yum Festival| Date
Kwun Yum Festival|Historical evolution
Kwun Yum Festival| Events

Kwun Yum Festival| Areas

Hong Kong / No Specific Region

Kwun Yum Festival| Date

The 19^thday of the second, sixth, ninth and eleventh lunar months

Kwun Yum Festival| Historical evolution

Kwun Yum, also known as Guanyin, is a deity in Buddhist mythology. It is believed that Kwun Yum possesses great compassion and has the ability to sense and alleviate the suffering of sentient beings.

The origin of Kwun Yum worship in Hong Kong cannot be traced historically, but it is believed to have arrived with the introduction of Buddhism. In addition to temples and religious venues, many households, ancestral halls, and shrines also enshrine Kwun Yum, reflecting the popularity of Kwun Yum worship.

There are multiple annual celebrations dedicated to Kwun Yum. These include her birthday on the 19th day of the second lunar month, her enlightenment day on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, and her ordination day on the 19th day of the ninth lunar month. These three occasions are commonly referred to as “the Three Assemblies of Kwun Yum.” Additionally, a celebration was added by folk tradition on November 19th (known as “Entering into Water” ceremony) as one of Kwun Yum’s birthdates.

Kwun Yum Festival | Events

The dates and activities for celebrating Kwun Yum Festival vary among different communities. For example, Sheung Shui Banana Path Village celebrates Kwun Yum’s birthday on the 19th day of the second lunar month; while Sai Kung Pak Sha Wan celebrates it on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, with a two-day event combining religious rituals and celebrations. As for the festival activities, besides offering incense and performing ritual ceremonies, there are usually Cantonese opera performances and lion dances to entertain both humans and gods.