22/05/2026
📌 Walking the Path of Peace in Canada: Join Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra for Vesak 2026
We are honored to share that Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, leader of the Walk for Peace, has been invited as a special guest to two events celebrating Vesak in Canada this month. Vesak is a profound time for us to reflect on the timeless messages of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness and harmony. We look forward to joining the Canadian community in these moments of shared harmony.
🍀 Event 1: Vesak Celebration — Mississauga, Ontario
Location: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This is the largest annual Buddhist festival in Canada, celebrating National Buddhist Month and the birth of the Buddha. Over 25 temples from the Greater Toronto Area, representing many different lineages, will come together in unity.
Full Program:
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Colorful Parade of Temples & Temple Booths Open
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Prayers for Peace, Special Guest Speeches & Cultural Performances
🍀 Event 2: National Gathering — Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Presented by the Canadian Buddhist Heritage Month National Gathering Committee and the BC Buddhist Festival Committee, this is a National Moment of Presence and Dialogue. It brings together Buddhist communities from across Canada at the nation's symbolic heart to share a message of harmony.
Full Program Highlights:
- 9:30 AM: Official Parliamentary Tour
- 11:00 AM: National Press Conference
- 12:00 PM: Sangha Luncheon
- 2:00 PM: Legislative Observation & Dharma Exchange
- 3:15 PM: The Grand Ceremony — Bathing of the Buddha, Sacred Relic Viewing, and National Delegate Presentation
- 4:45 PM: Procession of Mindfulness
- 5:00 PM: National Peace Walk (Centennial Flame)
- 6:00 PM: Gala Reception
All are warmly invited to join these celebrations of peace, compassion and harmony. For more information or to contact the organizers directly, please visit the website shown on the event poster.
We are truly grateful for these invitations and look forward to walking the path of peace together with our friends in Canada.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏✨