Vesak Celebration – Buddhist Holiday

Practical Information
Date: Friday May 1, 2026
Hours:  5:00 – 8:30 PM (exact program below, you can also only come during the normal Friday hours: 5:45 -7:30 pm)
Location: Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, 3411 Grove Avenue, Richmond. (Google Maps)
Cost: a donation (dana)
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen
Registration: No need to register, walk-in (Please bring a flower 🌸 to offer to the Buddha as part of the Vesak ritual, and, if you wish, a dish for the potluck at 5:00 pm)

Description
Vesak is one of the most significant and sacred celebrations for Theravada Buddhists, marking the birth, awakening, and death, of the Buddha. This auspicious day, typically observed during the full moon in May, offers an opportunity for reflection on the Buddha’s teachings, the nature of wisdom, compassion, and liberation from suffering. It is a time to honor the Buddha’s life and his enduring guidance that continues to inspire practitioners around the world.

Vesak is a day of deep reverence and spiritual renewal. It is observed with various rituals, including the lighting of lanterns to symbolize the Buddha’s light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance. There may also be the offering of flowers and the washing of the baby Buddha. We will also engage in meditation, chanting, and listening to the Dhamma. The celebration is an opportunity for all to renew their commitment to the path of mindfulness, ethical living, and wisdom.

We’ll start our celebration with a potluck at 5:00 pm, please join us! It is optional to bring a dish or snack to share; your presence is what truly matters.

Program
5:00 – 5:45 Potluck, optional: bring a dish or snack to share
6:00 – 8:30 Vesak ritual, teachings, meditation, sharing (there will be an option to leave at 7:30 pm, the normal time the Friday night ends).

Please bring a flower 🌸 to offer to the Buddha as part of the Vesak ritual. 

Generosity
As with most of our gatherings, this Vesak celebration is offered in the spirit of generosity (dāna). There is no set fee to attend. Voluntary donations are warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated. During the event, there will be an opportunity to offer dāna in cash or by check. Donations may also be made online. 

More information about the concept of dana, generosity, in Buddhism.

Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us.