Manchester Buddhist Centre

Mark­ing that which we hold dear

Buddhist Fest­ivals

There are four prin­cipal Buddhist fest­ivals that we cel­eb­rate every year. The Buddha, the Dharma (the Buddha’s teach­ing), the Sangha (the spir­itual com­munity) and Par­inir­vana (the death of the Buddha). Tra­di­tion­ally Buddhists would gather together for teach­ings, to med­it­ate and chant on the full moon day of the month. We still do this today cre­at­ing a strong sense of col­lect­ive prac­tice.

Par­inir­vana Day: in Feb­ru­ary, com­mem­or­at­ing the Buddha’s final passing away, this offers an oppor­tun­ity for us to con­sider death and imper­man­ence in our own lives.

Buddha Day: in May, some­times known as Wesak. Our most import­ant fest­ival, when we cel­eb­rate the Buddha gain­ing Enlightenment.

Dharma Day: in July. It’s one thing to become awakened one­self, but quite another to com­mu­nic­ate to oth­ers how to achieve this. The Buddha did it!

Sangha Day: in Novem­ber, cel­eb­rat­ing the spir­itual com­munity, all those who prac­tice the Dharma

Next: Fest­ival: Wesak day

• On Thursday 27th May 2.00–9.30pm
• More info
• Just turn up — no book­ing required
• Future fest­ival dates

Full Moon Pujas

On the months when we have no fest­ival day, we gather for puja (ritual). Feel free to attend and just observe or join in.

Next: Full Moon Puja to Vajrapani

• On Tues­day 30th March 5.45–6.45pm
• More info
• Just turn up, no book­ing required
• Future puja dates