This year the UN has recognized Vesak Day internationally as May 16th. Here in Pittsburgh, we will celebrate together on May 22nd. 

Internationally, Vesak is celebrated annually on the full-moon day in May, which most often conflicts with Mother's Day here in North America.  Sangha members from our many traditions in the Greater Pittsburgh area have been looking forward to joining one another once again in  a worldwide celebration which honors the life and times of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened One.

Pittsburgh's 14th Vesak Celebration will be celebrated live & in-person once again.  A wonderful Program has been organized by multiple traditions. All Sanghas are warmly invited, and we hope to see you at the new home of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. Our event is free, but we would appreciate your completion of this very brief registration form to help us plan for our children's activities and refreshments.  (Directions/map) 

New - Ride Sharing.  If you would like to share a ride to the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center - either as the person seeking the ride, or the one offering a ride - please add your information here.   Just click the link; type-in your data on the file that opens; and then click on the small "x-box" at the top of the file. The file saves automatically.  Sangha leaders will be reminding their sangha members who will attend Vesak to check this file in order to see if they can offer a ride; sorry, no guarantees.  

Over the past 13 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.   This year we are focusing on the Life & Times of Shakyamuni Buddha, with a very informative presentation and with particular stories of the Buddha's life, important to different sanghas.  We will share in meditation; chanting;  bathing the baby Buddha; a Water  Ceremony for Peace; and much fellowship.  Light refreshments will be provided. 

COVID Statement:  Our gathering will be held outdoors, and, consistent with current CDC guidelines for communities identified as "Low" impact (like Allegheny County) , will not require masks to be worn.   Nonetheless, given that we are still in the midst of the pandemic, we want to protect the safety and peace of mind of each person who will attend. To that end we ask that anyone who would like to attend adhere to the following:

* Be fully vaccinated, including any booster shots that are due.
* Please do not attend if you are feeling sick, experiencing any symptoms of Covid19, or have had a known exposure to someone who is experiencing symptoms of or has tested positive for Covid19.

Wish to learn more about our previous gatherings?  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. 
 
Happy Vesak!