KATHMANDU : Buddhist communities representing ten countries came together in Jackson Heights, Queens, on Sunday for what organizers describe as the largest unified Vesak Day celebration in New York City's history, drawing hundreds of devotees, monastics and city officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The event, hosted by the Bangladesh Buddhist Community of New York Inc. (BBCNY) at PS 69Q, The Jackson Heights School, brought together 33 organizations representing communities from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Tibet. Vesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha and is among the most significant observances in the Buddhist calendar.
Mamdani attended as guest of honor and addressed the gathering, calling the city's diversity a strength rather than a source of division. He was presented with a Buddha statue by Urgen Sherpa, chief advisor of the International Vesak Day 2026 Celebration Committee, inscribed with a message thanking the mayor for his inclusion of historically marginalized communities.
As part of the celebration, four city blocks in Jackson Heights were closed for a Peace Parade, in which participants carried Buddhist flags and ceremonial umbrellas through the neighborhood while chanting. Organizers said it was the most extensive logistical support the city has provided for a Vesak Day event.
The program included Dhamma addresses from Venerable Dr. Saranapala Bhikkhu of the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre in Ontario, Canada, and His Eminence Gegye Yongyal Rinpoche, director of the Zero Point Meditation Center, along with talks from monastics representing Japan, Sri Lanka, China and the United States. The day opened with chanting in Pali, Sanskrit and Tibetan and included a guided meditation session.
Remarks were also delivered by BBCNY President Shubhashish Barua, General Secretary Amit Barua and Member Secretary Shamyasree Barua. Organizers released a commemorative publication, "Lumbini," named for the Buddha's birthplace, and the event concluded with cultural performances from Bangladesh, Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar and Bhutan.
BBCNY is a nonprofit organization serving New York City's Buddhist community through religious, educational and charitable programming.
Loading comments…