Vesak, the most significant festival in the Buddhist calendar, holds a profound place in our hearts. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha, inviting us to deeply reflect on his teachings and our Buddhist identity. This year, Vesak falls on May 23rd, a time when every Buddhist family traditionally visits the Temple to partake in the Vesak Poya Day activities.

The temples in Southern California are abuzz with preparations for the grand Vesak festivities. The day begins with a dhamma retreat, where devotees observe the eight precepts, engage in meditation, learn the dharma, and chant sutta. The evening is a spectacle of color and devotion, with hundreds of devotees gathering to admire the beautifully crafted Vesak lanterns depicting scenes from Lord Buddha’s life. The evening program also features “Bakthi Gee” devotional songs by the temple’s devotees, adding a melodious touch to the celebrations.

Please join the religious ceremonies and festivities, see below the dates of the Vesak Celebrations of the following temples:

– Sambudhaloka Buddhist Vihara, Moreno Valley – Saturday, May 18th.

– Sarathchandra Buddhist Vihara, North Hollywood – Saturday, May 18th, and Sunday, May 19th.

– Maithre Vihara, Sun Valley – Saturday, May 18th.

– Mindfulness Meditation Center, Covina – Sunday, May 19th and Sunday, May 25th.

– Sri Rathana Vihara, Anaheim – Saturday, May 25th.

– Lankaramaya Buddhist Institute – Saturday, May 25th.

– Dharma Vijaya, Crenshaw – Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th.