[BTN뉴스] 세계적인 평화 축제로 자리 잡은 '연등회'

📌 Go to become a regular sponsor of BTN News, delivering all news from the domestic and international Buddhist community https://btn.co.kr/btnnews/cms.html 〔Anchor〕 Following the conclusion of the Lotus Lantern Procession, the Daedong Hanmadang unfolded around Jonggak Intersection, featuring Ganggangsullae and musical performances. For this moment, regardless of nationality, gender, or age, everyone became one, creating beautiful memories in their hearts while being showered with flower petals. Reporter Park Seong-hyeon visited the scene of the Daedong Hanmadang. 〔Report〕 (Standing) This is Jonggak Intersection, where a wave of 100,000 lotus lanterns has arrived. Amidst this falling pink flower petal rain, everyone danced together, continuing the lingering atmosphere of the lantern procession into a festive atmosphere. (Sound of the scene - “I like it~~~”) The area around Jonggak Intersection transformed into a massive outdoor stage. As the powerful sound of a monk's Dharma drum majestically adorned the night sky of Jongno, the scene quickly turned into a vibrant festival arena. From the sky, a ceaseless shower of pink flowers symbolizing blessings pours down, while exhilarating music—a modern reinterpretation of traditional folk songs—resonates throughout. Religion, nationality, and age do not matter. Holding hands with strangers next to them and stepping along, the crowd filling the square creates a single, massive flow. Nidya (India) (I love this festival so much. We are all enjoying ourselves and are happy. We are all dancing together and it feels great.) A gathering to momentarily set aside global worries and pray for each other's health and peace. The Lotus Lantern Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has now established itself as a global peace festival enjoyed by people from all over the world, transcending its role as a Korean Buddhist event. James (USA) · Cota (France) (It is fantastic and I feel so good. I am from France. I am so happy right now. I love Korea.) Just like the festival's slogan of illuminating the heart and the world, the faces of the citizens are filled with bright smiles that light up the darkness. Nam Se-won, Lee Do-hee, Lee Seung-eun (It is enjoyable to see everyone mingling, dancing together, and spending time together. It is so much fun. I will come again next year.) The atmosphere in the square heats up once again with an exhilarating celebratory performance by the band Norazo. Everyday stress melts away like snow, and the venue is filled with joy. In particular, the participation of young people stood out, as if proving the recent Buddhist craze sweeping through the younger generation. Jo Yoon-sun, So Ah-hyun (This was my first time participating in the Lantern Festival, and it was much more spectacular than I expected. It was so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves. It was so much fun because everyone could enjoy it together regardless of age or nationality.) The fervent excitement of the Daedong Hanmadang continued late into the night, presenting a true venue of harmony where we, despite our differences, become 'one'. This is Park Seong-hyun from BTN News.