**********************************************************
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, today (August 11) said that he supports the proposal of the Hong Kong Taoist Association to designate a Sunday as Taoist Day to organise celebrations and promote Taoism.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Taoist community's temple fair in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tsang said the Hong Kong Taoist Association had repeatedly expressed its wish to have Taoist Day in Hong Kong.
"The Association suggests designating a Sunday in March every year as Taoist Day without adding any public holiday. As the Secretary for Home Affairs, I support this proposal and hope we can celebrate Taoist Day together in March next year," he said.
Taoism has a long history and manifests the values of Chinese culture. It is highly inspirational in various areas such as enhancing the quality of the people and building a harmonious society, he added.
Mr Tsang commended the Hong Kong Taoist Association for contributing to the Hong Kong community by actively uniting the local Taoist groups and believers, promoting Taoism as well as the spirit of benevolence and kindness since its establishment in 1961. Apart from its work in education, social welfare and charity, the association subsidises tertiary institutions to conduct intensive studies on Taoism. It also makes use of new ideas and means, such as organising photo-taking contests and calligraphy competitions, to help young people appreciate Taoist values.
The temple fair being held today and tomorrow at Victoria Park is organised by the Hong Kong Taoist Association and co-organised by the Chinese Temples Committee and the Eastern District Council. At the fair, guests are invited to make a wish for Hong Kong people. A Taoist cultural exhibition and cultural performances from various groups are also being staged to promote Taoist culture and celebrate the occasion.
Ends/Saturday, August 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 13:28
NNNN
