New Zealand Buddhist Council executive member Peter Small said the biggest Buddhist celebration of the year, also known as Vesak, began positively on Saturday, and included a walk from the Otago Museum Reserve Peace Pole, despite the rain.
"This is the biggest day of the year."
The procession was preceded by 8am interfaith prayers at the Peace Pole.
Buddhist beliefs were "accepting of the whole range of experiences" and the rain was "kind of refreshing", Mr Small said.
Events were organised by the New Zealand Buddhist Council, which invited all Buddhist traditions to participate.
This was the first time that representatives from a wide range of Buddhist traditions, Thai, Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Japanese, had taken part in the planning of the day’s events in Dunedin, he said.
All representatives, including those from Myanmar, contributed to the gathering.
Shane Whitfield, of Christchurch, the regional manager southern at the Office of Ethnic Communities, and Taieri MP Ingrid Leary were among those who attended.
A potluck lunch followed about 11.30am.
After lunch the city’s Dhargyey Buddhist Centre invited everyone to visit the Peace Stupa, a Buddhist memorial, at Portobello, at 2pm.
Mr Wilson said the day had gone well and had raised awareness of what the different Buddhist traditions shared.
"It is amazing to be part of this local process to share our teachings and recognise our kindred values and understanding," he said.
