Buddhist communities representing 10 national and cultural traditions gathered in Jackson Heights, in the New York City borough of Queens, on Sunday for what organizers described as the largest unified Vesak Day celebration in the city’s history.

The event, hosted by the Bangladesh Buddhist Community of New York (BBCNY), was held at PS 69Q: The Jackson Heights School on 5 July, and brought together 33 organizations representing Buddhist communities from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tibet. Hundreds of devotees, monastics, community leaders, and city officials attended, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was present as guest of honor.

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, commemorates the birth, awakening, and passing into parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. The observance is among the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar and is marked across much of Asia and the global Buddhist diaspora through chanting, offerings, meditation, acts of generosity, and public gatherings.

Organizers said the Queens celebration was intended to reflect the diversity of Buddhist practice in New York City and the growing visibility of immigrant Buddhist communities in civic life. The gathering took place in Jackson Heights, one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods and home to large South Asian, Himalayan, Southeast Asian, and Tibetan communities.

Mayor Mamdani addressed the gathering, speaking of the city’s diversity as a source of strength, according to organizers. During the program, the mayor was presented with a Buddha statue by Urgen Sherpa, chief advisor of the International Vesak Day 2026 Celebration Committee. The statue included an inscription thanking the mayor for his inclusion of historically marginalized communities. (The Tourism Times)

As part of the day’s events, four city blocks in Jackson Heights were closed for a Peace Parade. Participants carried Buddhist flags and ceremonial umbrellas through the neighborhood while chanting. Organizers said the street closures and municipal support represented the most extensive logistical assistance New York City has provided for a Vesak Day event. (The Tourism Times)

The religious program opened with chanting in Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan, reflecting the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions represented at the celebration. A guided meditation session was also included.

Dharma addresses were delivered by Ven. 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. Additional talks were offered by monastics representing Buddhist communities from China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and the United States. (The Tourism Times)

BBCNY President Shubhashish Barua, General Secretary Amit Barua, and Member Secretary Shamyasree Barua also delivered remarks. Organizers released a commemorative publication titled Lumbini, named for the Buddha’s birthplace in present-day Nepal. The program concluded with cultural performances from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and, Tibet.

The event highlighted the breadth of Buddhist life in New York City, where Buddhist communities include long-established East Asian and Southeast Asian temples, Himalayan and Tibetan centers, South Asian Buddhist organizations, and convert-led meditation groups. Nationally, Buddhism remains a small but diverse religious tradition in the US. Pew Research Center’s 2023–24 Religious Landscape Study found that 45 per cent of US Buddhists were born in the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the importance of immigrant communities in shaping American Buddhist life.

In a statement, the Bangladesh Buddhist Community of New York wrote:

It was a true honor and privilege to welcome you to the International Vesak Day Celebration 2026.

As the lights of International Vesak Day 2026 gently fade, our hearts remain filled with gratitude, joy, and inspiration. What we witnessed on June 28 was far more than an event—it was a historic moment that united the global Buddhist community in New York through the timeless teachings of the Buddha.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the 33 participating organizations whose partnership, trust, and unwavering support made this celebration possible. Together, we demonstrated that when we stand united, there are no boundaries that compassion cannot overcome.

To our beloved Buddhist communities from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tibet—thank you for bringing your unique traditions, cultures, and spiritual heritage to this extraordinary celebration. Your presence transformed this gathering into a beautiful expression of unity in diversity and showed that, despite our different languages and customs, we are one family in the Dhamma.

To all the Venerable Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis, Rinpoches, spiritual leaders, distinguished guests, performers, donors, sponsors, media partners, and well-wishers, your blessings, guidance, generosity, and encouragement gave this celebration its true meaning.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to every volunteer who worked tirelessly—often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition. From months of planning to the final moments of the event, your dedication, sacrifice, and selfless service made the impossible possible. This success belongs to each and every one of you.

We are equally grateful to every devotee, family, and friend who attended, participated in the Peace Parade, offered prayers, shared smiles, and celebrated with us. Your presence filled the day with warmth, faith, and hope.

Together, we created a milestone in New York City’s history—bringing Buddhist communities from ten countries together under one roof to celebrate International Vesak Day as one united Buddhist family. This achievement belongs to all of us.

May the boundless merits of this noble gathering bring peace, good health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone. May the Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, loving-kindness, wisdom, and harmony continue to guide our hearts and inspire us to build a more united and compassionate world. (Facebook)

BBCNY is a nonprofit organization serving New York City’s Buddhist community through religious, educational, cultural, and charitable programming. Organizers said the 2026 Vesak gathering was intended not only as a religious observance, but also as a public expression of peace, unity, and shared civic belonging among Buddhist communities from across the city.

See more

New York Mayor Mamdani joins Buddhist communities from 10 nations for historic Vesak Day gathering in Queens (The Tourism Times)
Bangladesh Buddhist Community of New York (Facebook)

Related news reports from BDG

White House Hosts Buddhist Representatives for Fifth Official Vesak Observance
London’s Growing Bangladeshi Buddhist Community Celebrates Vesak
Young Buddhist Association Indonesia Unveils Record-breaking Transparent Buddha Sculpture for Vesak
Online Dharma: Ashokan Meditation Center in New York to Host Free Daylong Vesak Retreat
Dalai Lama Urges Buddhists Around the World to Practice for Peace in Vesak Message
Vesak Celebrated in the UN’s Economic and Social Council Chamber