Buddhist and Cultural Festivals

• Kathina Ceremony (Offering of Robes to Monks)

  • Date: October 26, 2024 (Lunar Calendar: 15th Day of the 11th Month)
  • Description: The end of the Vassa retreat, where laypeople offer new robes to monks as a sign of respect.
  • Activities: Robe offerings, chanting, and community gatherings.

  2. Lunar New Year’s Eve (Giao Thua)

  • Date: February 9, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 30th Day of the 12th Month)
  • Description: The night before Tet, marked by prayers and offerings to welcome the new lunar year.
  • Activities: Midnight chanting and offerings.

  3. Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

  • Date: February 10, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 1st Day of the 1st Month)
  • Description: The most important cultural festival in Vietnam, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and temple visits.
  • Activities: Cultural performances, food stalls, and religious ceremonies.

  4. Magha Puja (Sangha Day)

  • Date: March 25, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 15th Day of the 3rd Month)
  • Description: Commemorates the Buddha’s teachings to 1,250 monks, an important Buddhist observance.
  • Activities: Chanting, meditation, and Dharma talks.

  5. Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday)

  • Date: May 23, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 15th Day of the 4th Month)
  • Description: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
  • Activities: Ceremonial offerings, chanting, and community gatherings.

  6. Asalha Puja (Dharma Day)

  • Date: July 21, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: Full Moon Day of the 8th Month)
  • Description: Marks the Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of the teaching of the Dharma.
  • Activities: Dharma talks, chanting, and meditation.

  7. Vu Lan (Buddhist All Souls Day)

  • Date: August 17, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 15th Day of the 7th Month)
  • Description: A time for honoring ancestors and showing gratitude to parents and elders.
  • Activities: Ancestral offerings and prayer services.

  8. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)

  • Date: September 17, 2025 (Lunar Calendar: 15th Day of the 8th Month)
  • Description: Celebrates the harvest moon and is a family-oriented festival, especially for children.
  • Activities: Lantern processions, mooncake sales, and cultural performances.

  9. Temple Anniversary (Custom Date for Your Temple)

  • Date: To be determined based on your temple’s founding date (e.g., May 20, 2025).
  • Description: Celebrating the growth and development of the temple with special prayers and activities.
  • Activities: Ceremonial offerings, community meals, and cultural performances.

Class timings: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Contact details: 619-917-4004 or 678-702-4007.

Directions to Minh Dang Quang Meditation Center.