BLIA North Carolina Chapter Participates in Elementary School Cultural Festival, Chinese Cultural Experience Well Received by Community

On March 6, 2026, BLIA North Carolina, led by President Gee Chia and Elder Advisor  Jill Chen with three volunteers, participated in the annual World Dance Festival at Farmington Woods Elementary School.

[Reported by Haikuo, North Carolina, USA] On March 6, 2026, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Carolina Chapter, led by President Gee Chia and Elder Advisor Jill Chen with three volunteers, was invited to participate in the annual World Dance Festival at Farmington Woods Elementary School. This annual multicultural celebration allows students and families to explore music, dance, cultural exhibits, and interactive experiences from around the world, creating a joyful atmosphere to learn about different cultures and celebrate the community’s diversity.

BLIA North Carolina Chapter’s Chinese culture booth offers children and parents hands-on experience with ink rubbings and brush calligraphy, highlighting the depth of traditional Chinese culture.

During the World Dance Festival performances, parents frequently take photos with their phones.

Volunteers instruct children in Chinese brush calligraphy.

The event ran from 6 to 8 p.m., drawing families from diverse cultural backgrounds. BLIA North Carolina hosted a Chinese cultural experience booth, featuring ink rubbings and brush calligraphy inspired by the works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan. Children and parents had the chance to personally experience the richness of traditional Chinese culture. Throughout the evening, children eagerly visited the BLIA booth, practicing each brush stroke under the patient guidance of volunteers, and happily trying out ink rubbings, filling the booth with laughter. Many parents joined their children in the activities, taking photos to capture the experience, while also learning more about Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina’s regular cultural and educational programs, fostering greater connection between the temple and the local community.

A parent requests volunteers to write Chinese names for two children, planning to frame the works at home.

The event featured many heartwarming moments. One parent specifically requested that volunteers write the Chinese names of two children, happily saying they would frame the works at home. Several parents and children were curious about the meanings of ink rubbings such as “Bountiful Joy and Plentiful Bliss” and calligraphy characters like “Fu” (Blessing) and “Ji Xiang” (Auspicious Blessings), showing a strong interest in Chinese culture.

Parents express interest in Fo Guang Shan North Carolina and take photos of the display.

Volunteers guide children in creating ink rubbings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s brush calligraphy.

BLIA North Carolina Chapter’s president Gee Chia and Elder Advisor Jill Chen exchange ideas with Principal Elizabeth Plotkin of Farmington Woods Elementary School.

A former student who had previously participated in educational programs at Fo Guang Shan visited the festival with their child. Upon seeing the characters “Hsing Yun” on an ink rubbing, they felt a special sense of familiarity and eagerly sought out the BLIA booth. A first-grade student candidly shared, “At first I was a little scared to hold the brush, but then I found it really fun and interesting.” Such sincere feedback greatly encouraged the volunteers.