>Opening Ceremony
8:30 AM
Starting the Motor Car Parade of Devotees taking the Buddha Statue from the Buddhist Vihara at 5017, 16th St NW , Washington DC 20011.
9:30 AM
Opening Ceremony Starts, Opening the main door, Entering the center with the container of Buddha’s Relics, Buddha statue, Piruwana Poth Wahanse (the book of protection), container of Milk, Fruit basket, Grains, Flowers, Candle lights, and fruit juices. Placing the Dathu Karanduwa (Relic Container), Buddha statue and traditional Milk-Boiling while Prith chanting by Maha Sangha.
10:00 AM
Jayamangala Gatha and Bhakthi Geetha (Devotional songs by Vihara Sunday School kids) and Pooja dance by students of Mrs. Dilrukshi Mantilake.
10:45 AM
First flower offering by Hon Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Nepal.
11:00 AM
Bodhi pooja and Dana to the Sangha
12:00 PM
Lunch for Laity
Vesak Assembly
1:00 PM
Welcome speech by Bhante Maharagama Dhammasiri
Address by Senator of Maryland Chris Van Hollen
Address by the Governor of Maryland Mr. Larry Hogan
Address by the Mayor of Washington D.C. Muriel Bowser
Vesak Keynote speech by Bhante Yogwachara Rahula
Note of Thanks by Mr. Sena Basnayake (Vice President)