BENDIGO's Karen community has renewed its connections with the city by celebrating a traditional wrist-tying ceremony.
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About 300 people gathered at the Strathdale Community Centre on Sunday for more than three hours of singing, dancing, eating and the ceremony, which involves string being tied around the wrist and worn for three days.
Venerable Ashin Moonieinda said the wrist-tying ceremony had been an annual event in Bendigo since 2010, held in the Karen month of Lah Khu (August).
The tradition itself dates back more than 1000 years and is a time for family reunions, exchange of works, discussion on social affairs and bringing unity among Karen people.
Venerable Moonieinda said it aimed to bring people from all cultures and all religions together despite their differences.
"Australia is a multicultural society, but people and all culture are accepted," he said.
"Everyone can join together in Australia and do what they want.
"We are all lucky to be here."
Wrist-tying ceremonies are held in Karen communities across the world, including in India, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Venerable Moonieinda said the Karen people had been part of the Bendigo community since 2007.
"Our community and our people are trying very hard to be accepted and contribute to the community." he said.
"About 36 families have bought a property here, so they are very pleased to be living in harmony here.
"We are very much looking forward to the future and bettering our lives. But we must do it together."
The ceremony is one of four major events involving the Karen community in Bendigo each year.
Our community and our people are trying very hard to be accepted and contribute to the community.
- Venerable Ashin Moonieinda
Others include Karen New Year and the Festival of Light, which earlier this year attracted thousands of people to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
Venerable Moonieinda said a highlight of the event was the traditional Karen dancing.
He said it was important Karen traditions were passed on to future generations.
Guests at the ceremony included Bendigo mayor Peter Cox, federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and representatives from Bendigo Community Health Services and Bendigo Chinese Association.