Vesak Day Worldwide is May 7th

Pittsburgh's 12th Vesak Celebration was scheduled this year for April 26th, as it was in 2019.  Worldwide Vesak is celebrated on the full-moon day in May, which most often conflicts with Mother's Day here in North America.  Hundreds of Buddhists from our many traditions in the Greater Pittsburgh area, and the public as well, were looking forward to joining once again in  a worldwide celebration which honors the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened One.

In a true illustration of our interbeing nature, the Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh realized that gathering and connecting in-person, in this time of the coronavirus pandemic, would place many of us at risk of grave illness. With disappointment, we have had to cancel this year's gathering.

Over the past 11 years, our gathering has grown to be a joyous occasion, filled with colorful flowers and the beautiful teachings and practices shared by many traditions in a collective Sangha (community) ceremony.   In 2019, we expanded our event into a 3-part program, beginning with our traditional multi-tradition Service, followed by a new educational experience with exhibits and activities led by members of the various sanghas, and concluded with our always joyful procession to the Allegheny River for a Water Service followed by light refreshments.  

Enjoy this beautiful video from 2012, which shares the richness and meaning of Vesak in Pittsburgh.  You can also see elements from some of our later Vesak celebrations in the slideshow below.  We hope you will enjoy this, and that we can all be together in person next year for ​a wonderful celebration of the Buddha's life. 
 
Happy Vesak!