Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Sri Lankan Independence Day Celebration
2026-02-04 | Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre, 309–311 Kingsbury Road, London, NW9 9PE, United Kingdom
Sri Lankan Independence Day Celebration and Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts.

Sri Saddhatissa Memorial Day
2026-02-15

Mädin Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2026-03-01
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.

Bak Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2026-04-05
As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts.

Sinhala & Tamil New Year Celebrations Day
2026-04-14
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
2026-04-18
Kingsbury Bakmaha Ulela – More details to follow.

Children’s Vesak Programme
2026-05-02
The Dhamma School of the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre organises the Vesak programme for Children in May.

Vesak Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2026-05-03
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
2026-06-28
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
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.

Nikiṇi Full Moon (Pōya) Day
2026-08-30
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
2026-09-27
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
2026-10-31
An occasional ceremony held at the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre as an offering to the twenty-eight Buddhas.

Kathina Chivara Puja
2026-11-01
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
2026-11-29
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
2026-12-06
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 Fourth Year Rememberance Day
2026-12-19 - 2026-12-20

Un̆duvap Full Moon (Pōya) Day & Saṅghamittā Day
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
