Did someone say party? Regina celebrates Buddha's 2560th birthday

People in Regina are invited to celebrate a very important birthday Sunday evening.

Buddha — yes, the Buddha — is turning 2560 and members of the city's Buddhist community are throwing a party.

"Buddha's birthday is very significant for the whole world," Reverend Uttam Barua, the Buddhist monk at Regina's Laos Temple, told CBC Radio's Saskatchewan Weekend.

Barua said that from time to time, people need to be reminded of Buddha's teachings of forgiveness, understanding, non-violence and harmony.

Last year was the first time Buddha's birthday was celebrated in Regina.

'I was still lost'

Krishnasamy Govender, executive director with the Buddhist Centre of Regina, helped Barua organize the event, after the pair launched meditation classes.

Govendor, who was born and raised as a Hindu, left home at a young age and considered himself a lost soul.

He travelled, along the way earning a medical degree in Ireland and eventually came to Canada.  

"I was still lost," he said.

Govender said when he first was introduced to the Buddhist temple in Regina a few years ago he wanted to meditate, but didn't know where to start.

That's a familiar story to many people in the city, according to Barua.

Last year's birthday party turned out to be chance for those curious about Buddha and his teachings to learn a bit more.

Govender said the event was a hit, drawing hundreds from around the 13 to 15 different ethnic communities that ascribe to Buddhism.

There were also visiting monks from all over Canada that performed rituals and delivered talks, as well as entertainment.

"Of course we musn't forget, what is a birthday without birthday cake, so there'll be lots of birthday cake this year," Govender said.

The birthday party is taking place on Sunday at the Orr Centre from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.