2026
Festivals, memorials & observances
Alongside the weekly pūjā, Mangala Vihara marks the turning of the Buddhist year with festival days, memorial services and community observances.
The most significant day of the Buddhist year
Vesak, the Buddha's birth, awakening & passing
Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha, observed on the full-moon day. At Mangala Vihara it is kept across two days in 2026.
30
Vesak Eve
30 May 2026
Mahāsamaya recitation
The full programme for the day will be published closer to Vesak, Vesak page.
Lunar dates Several observances, Chinese New Year, Vesak, Kathina and the Vassa (rains-retreat) days, follow the lunar calendar and shift from year to year. The dates below are confirmed for 2026.
About each observance
[PLACEHOLDER, temple to supply: a short description for each major observance, what it commemorates, what happens at Mangala Vihara on the day, and whether visitors are welcome to attend.]
Detail pages for Vesak, Kathina, the Anniversary and the memorial services are being prepared, event pages.
- Saṅgha Dāna
- An offering of food and requisites to the monastic community.
- Vesak Vesākha
- The thrice-sacred full-moon day marking the Buddha's birth, awakening and passing.
- Vassa Vassāna
- The three-month rains retreat kept by the monastic Sangha.
- Kathina Kaṭhina
- The robe-offering ceremony held at the close of the rains retreat.
- Pindapata Piṇḍapāta
- The alms-round, offering food to monks as they walk in procession.