Vesak celebrated at the White House

In parallel with the 2026 International Vesak Festival, a special Vesak celebration was held at the White House in Washington, D.C., with the full support of the United States government. The event brought together Buddhist monks and lay devotees representing the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, highlighting the spirit of unity and religious harmony.

Representing the Theravada Buddhist community were the Chief Judicial Sangha Nayaka of the United States, Most Venerable Katugasthota Uparathana Nayaka Thera, and the Chief Incumbent of Staten Island Buddhist Vihara in New York, Venerable Heenbunne Kondanna Thero, who participated in the religious observances and celebrations. Pix by Sisira Wijesinghe from Washington DC