Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Nikiṇi Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2025-08-10, 2026-08-30 | Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre, 309–311 Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 9PE, United Kingdom
As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts. It is still the period of the vassa (rainy) season. The Nikiṇi Pōya day is related to the legends that tell the convening of the First Buddhist Council after the passing away of the historical Buddha. The elders of the Buddhist community led by Venerable Mahākassapa recited the ‘Word’ of the Buddha (Buddhavacana) for arriving at a consensus, an early instance of an emerging notion of a Buddhist canon, Tripiṭaka

Un̆duvap Full Moon (Pōya) Day & Saṅghamittā Day
2025-12-21, 2026-12-27
Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate the Un̆duvap Full Moon Day in December as the day of arrival of Theri Saṅghamittā in Laṅkā with a sapling of the Śrī Mahābodhi in the third century BCE. Theri Saṅghamittā’s visit also marked the beginning of the female order of the saṅgha in Laṅkā. Over centuries, the Śrī Mahābodhi has become a tree of historical records unparalleled in world history. Anurādhapura, the capital of ancient Laṅkā until 993 CE flourishing for 1,300 years, became the site for well-known eight pilgrimage sites. Rediscovered by the British colonial archaeological expeditions, UNESCO recognized Anurādhapura as World Heritage Site in 1982

New Year Day
2026-01-01
January 1 is celebrated as the New Year at the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre with the chanting of paritta as blessings. Throughout the day, devotees attend religious activities dressed in white and ceremonial dresses. Traditional delicacies along with milk rice are brought and consumed.

Esala Full Moon Poya Day
2026-07-26
Esala Full Moon Poya Day is a sacred Buddhist holiday celebrated in Sri Lanka, coinciding with the month of Esala in the lunar calendar. It commemorates significant events related to Lord Buddha’s life, teachings, and the establishment of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic order). Devotees engage in religious observances, including offering prayers, meditating, and participating in colorful processions to honor the teachings and virtues of Buddhism. It is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and deepening one’s understanding of the path to enlightenment.

Invitations For Rainy Retreat & Chanting Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta
2026-07-29
Esala Full Moon Poya Day holds a special significance as it marks the beginning of the traditional Buddhist “Vassana” or rain retreat. During this auspicious time, devoted Buddhists invite monks to observe a three-month retreat period in monasteries. The retreat is a period of intense meditation, study, and spiritual practice, aimed at deepening their understanding and achieving higher levels of enlightenment. The act of inviting the monks is considered a meritorious deed, fostering a strong bond between the laity and the monastic community. This sacred day serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating oneself to spiritual growth and nurturing the Buddhist teachings in the pursuit of inner peace and liberation.
