Events

On December 23, 2018, a deeply meaningful and memorable moment in the history of the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara took place at the New York Buddhist Vihara in Queens Village, New York. On this special occasion, the Venerable Kurunegoda Dhammaloka Thero generously presented a sacred Bodhi tree to the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara. The Bodhi...

A memorable day of meditation and yoga practice organized by Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center on March 30, 2019, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The retreat provided a peaceful opportunity for participants to practice meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and spiritual well-being in a supportive community...

A joyful celebration of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year organized by the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara Sri Lankan Community in April 2023, held at 320 Diddell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. This special cultural gathering brought together children, adults, families, and friends to experience the warmth, traditions, and joyful spirit of the Sri Lankan New...

On April 28, 2019, the Hudson Valley Dayaka Community held a memorial service in remembrance of the innocent victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka. The program was led by Venerable Kurunegoda Dhammaloka Thero, with prayers, meditation, and reflections offered in memory of those who lost their lives and in support of their...

In 2019, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, under the care and guidance of Minister Viola Abbitt, warmly welcomed the early community of Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara. During this important beginning stage, this location became much more than a meeting place—it became a place we could call our home. Many meaningful Buddhist activities and community...

A beautiful memory from the 2019 Vesak Day celebration, organized by the United Sangha Council at Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL), 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding, CT 06896. Children from the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara Dhamma School proudly participated in the Vesak parade and presented devotional songs. Their participation added joy and inspiration to this...

In 2020, the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara community organized a Sunday Dhamma School at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. This program provided an opportunity for children in our community to learn the teachings of the Buddha and develop an understanding of Buddhist values, traditions, and culture. The Dhamma School was conducted by Venerable Debokkawe...

A beautiful day of community, unity, and generosity at the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara Food Festival, held on September 11, 2022, at Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY. At the time, our community did not yet have a temple of its own. This special event was organized to raise funds toward the dream of building a...

A meaningful gathering of the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara Committee was held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67 S. Randolph Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The meeting was attended by President Preethi Atulugama, Vice President Dilruk Sonnadarage, and fellow committee members, together with Venerable Kurunegoda Dhammaloka Thero, Chief Monk...

In April 2023, the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara community joined together with the Sri Lankan community to celebrate the Sinhala and Hindu New Year (Aluth Avurudu). The celebration was organized by the Sri Lankan community of Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara, led by Preethi Atalugama. Families and friends gathered to enjoy traditional New Year customs, cultural...

A special milestone in the history of Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara—the presentation of $1,000 donation certificates to the first 16 families who generously contributed toward the dream of building a Buddhist temple in the Hudson Valley. This marked the beginning of the temple-building journey, when a small group of devoted families came together with faith,...

A truly historic day for the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara community. After many years of dedication, hope, and collective effort, our dream of having a physical place for the Vihara became a reality. On March 10, 2024, we gathered at 26 Red Hawk Ln, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, to begin this new chapter together. The community...

A deeply meaningful Vesak Sil Observance was held on May 19, 2024, at the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara, 26 Red Hawk Ln, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. On this sacred Vesak day, members of our community gathered to observe Sil, meditate, listen to Dhamma teachings, and reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha. Vesak is...

“Garu hoti sagāravo” One who shows respect receives respect in return. A special Tribute Ceremony honoring Mr. Preethi Atulugama, President of the Hudson Valley Buddhist Vihara, was held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Hudson Valley Hotel and Conference Center, 90 NY-17K, Newburgh, NY 12550. This memorable occasion was organized by the Hudson Valley...

The Buddhist monk rain retreat ceremony, known as Vassa or "Rains Retreat," is a significant annual event in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It typically lasts for three lunar months, usually from July to October. Historical Background The tradition dates back to the time of the Buddha. During the rainy season, traveling was difficult and could...