Invitations For Rainy Retreat & Chanting Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta (Esala Full Moon Poya Day)
2023-08-01, 2024-07-20 | Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre, 309–311 Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 9PE, United Kingdom
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.

Nikiṇi Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2023-08-27, 2024-08-18
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

Binara Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2023-09-24, 2024-09-15
As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts. It is still the period of the vassa (rainy) season. Historically the Binara Pōya day marks a religiously important event of establishing the female order of the Buddhist saṅgha known as Bhikkhuṇī Sāsana. The historical Buddha’s stepmother, Princess Mahāpajāpati Gotami, became the first female to dorn yellow robes by paving the way for the liberation of generations of women. The annual procession at Mahiyaṅgana, the site of the Buddha’s first visit to Laṅkā (Mahāvaṃsa, ch. 1: 19–43) and one of the sixteen pilgrimage places, takes place with the participation of the Veddās during the Binara Full Moon period.

Aṭavisi Buddha Pūjā
2023-10-28, 2024-10-26
An occasional ceremony held at the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre as an offering to the twenty-eight Buddhas.

Kathina Chivara Puja
2023-10-29, 2024-10-27
Kathina Chivara Puja is a significant religious event celebrated in various Buddhist traditions around the world. It marks the conclusion of the three-month Vassa (rain retreat) period observed by monks during the monsoon season. The term “Kathina” refers to a wooden frame used to support robes, while “Chivara” symbolizes the robes themselves.
During this event, lay devotees gather at Buddhist monasteries to offer new robes and other necessities to the monks as a way of expressing gratitude for their teachings and guidance. The ceremony holds great importance as it strengthens the bond between the monastic community and the lay followers, emphasizing the spirit of generosity and support.
The festivities typically begin with a colorful procession, where lay devotees carry the Kathina robe frame, accompanied by traditional music and chanting. Once inside the monastery, a formal offering ceremony takes place, during which the new robes and other requisites are presented to the monks. This act of giving is believed to accumulate merit for the devotees and create positive karma.
Apart from the ceremonial aspect, Kathina Chivara Puja is also an occasion for spiritual reflection and renewal. It provides an opportunity for both monks and lay followers to come together, engage in meditation, listen to Dhamma talks, and engage in acts of virtuous practice. The event fosters a sense of community and solidarity within the Buddhist tradition, encouraging individuals to deepen their commitment to the path of enlightenment.
Overall, Kathina Chivara Puja serves as a joyous celebration of generosity, gratitude, and spiritual devotion, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the monastic order and the lay community in the Buddhist tradition.

Il Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2023-11-26, 2024-11-17
The Kaṭhina Cīvara Pūjā is the Buddhist “communal ceremony of making robe offerings” to Buddhist monks who complete the three-month rain-retreat (vassa). Annually, the ceremony takes place in October / November, depending on the lunar calendar. A period of four weeks is set aside for the celebration after the Il full moon (Pōya) day, which marks the monks’ ‘pavāraṇa’ (ending) of the rain retreat. Lay devotees formally and communally offer a “specially stitched robe” to the members of the saṅgha (monastic community) identified as Kaṭhina robe. Theravāda Buddhist traditions consider the offering of the Kaṭhina robe as an enormously meritorious deed.

Interfaith Call for World Peace & Tsunami Remembrance Day
2023-12-03, 2024-12-01
Every December, Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre (SSIBC) organises the Interfaith Call for World Peace. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Tsunami victims and war casualties.

Founder's First Year Rememberance Day
2023-12-16 - 2023-12-17

Un̆duvap Full Moon (Pōya) Day & Saṅghamittā Day
2023-12-31
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
2024-01-01
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.

Sri Lankan Independence Day Celebration
2024-02-04
Sri Lankan Independence Day Celebration and Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts.

Sri Saddhatissa Memorial Day
2024-02-11

Navam Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2024-02-25, 2024-02-25 - 2025-02-16
As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts.
Navam Full Moon Poya Day holds special significance for Buddhists around the world, as it commemorates several pivotal events in the life of the Buddha. Falling on the full moon day in the month of Navam, typically in February, this auspicious occasion is marked by a universal celebration of Buddhist teachings and principles.
One of the central events associated with Navam Poya is the gathering of the Buddha’s disciples, known as the “Sangha,” to witness the Buddha proclaim the fundamental principles of the Dhamma, encapsulated in the Ovadapatimokkha. This discourse serves as a guide for monastic life, emphasizing ethical conduct, mindfulness, and the path to enlightenment.
Navam Poya also marks the spontaneous formation of the Mahasangha, a community of enlightened monks who gathered without prior appointment. This assembly is symbolic of the unity and harmony within the Buddhist community, fostering a sense of fraternity and shared purpose.
Devotees worldwide observe Navam Poya Day by engaging in various religious activities. Temples become centers of vibrant religious ceremonies, with devotees participating in meditation, prayer sessions, and acts of generosity. The emphasis on ethical conduct and spiritual development echoes throughout the day, encouraging Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and strive towards personal transformation.
As the full moon casts its radiant glow, it serves as a reminder of the enlightenment attained by the Buddha. The universal nature of Navam Poya encourages Buddhists of diverse cultures and backgrounds to come together in a shared celebration of wisdom, compassion, and the path to liberation. It is a day for introspection, communal harmony, and a reaffirmation of the timeless teachings that continue to inspire and guide followers on their spiritual journey.

Mädin Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2024-03-24
On the full moon of March (Mädin Pōya), the Buddha visited Laṅkā for the third time.
Medin Full Moon Poya Day holds profound significance for Buddhists worldwide as it commemorates pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Falling on the full moon day in the month of Medin, typically in March, this auspicious occasion is a universal celebration of key moments in the spiritual journey of the enlightened one.

Sinhala & Tamil New Year Celebrations Day
2024-04-14
The Sinhala and Tamil New year, one of the most significant annual, non-religious events enjoyed by both the Sinhala and Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans, falls on the 13th and the 14th of April. The exact timing of when the New Year begins changes each year. Traditional astrology dictates the proper time for activities, such as starting work. The auspicious moment depends on the time that the sun crosses over from one planetary sign to another. There is much joy and anticipation of good fortune that a new year will bring, both young and old alike. The new year is celebrated over a week or so, generally with goodwill towards everyone and sharing sweetmeats and other traditional foods.

Kingsbury Bakmaha Ulela
2024-04-20
Kingsbury Bakmaha Ulela – More details to follow.

Bak Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2024-04-28
As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts.

Children’s Vesak Programme
2024-05-25
The Dhamma School of the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre organises the Vesak programme for Children in May.

Vesak Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2024-05-26
In the West, known as the ‘Buddha day’, Vesak is the most important date in the Buddhist liturgical calendar. Annually, Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak on the full moon day of May. Vesak marks three important events in the historical Buddha’s life: (i) the Bodhisatva’s birth in Lumbiṇi, his awakening at Buddha Gayā and his passing away (parinibbāna) in Kuṣinārā. Traditionally, Buddhist devotees in South and Southeast Asia gather in temples and observe the eight precepts. They spend the day meaningfully devoting time to contemplation and reflection.
Sources: Mahinda Deegalle (ed), Vesak, Peace and Harmony: Thinking of Buddhist Heritage (Kelaniya: Nagananda International Buddhist University, 2015), pp. 1–49.

Poson full Moon Poya Day
2024-06-23
The full moon day (Pōya) in June is known in Sinhalese as Poson. This full moon is highly significant for Theravāda Buddhists in Sri Lanka because it commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Laṅkā by the Arahant Mahinda in 236 BCE during the reign of King Devānampiya Tissa (250–210 BCE). There are fascinating stories associated with the introduction of Buddhism. One of them is that the Arahant Mahinda tested the local ruler by producing an aptitude test as the Mahāvaṃsa (ch. 14: 16–22) recorded to assess his competence in understanding and potential of expounding and spreading the Dhamma. The wise king became a Buddhist ruler. His Queen Anula also later became an ardent devotee and subsequently the first Buddhist nun on the island, paving the ground for establishing female monastic order. Laṅkā became then a land of pious men and women who wished to preserve Buddhism.

Esala Full Moon Poya Day
2024-07-21
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.

Series of Vassana Dhamma Sermon - 2024
2024-10-05
