Vesak Day 2024 Celebrated in South Africa

27 May 2024

Sri Lankans living in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and nearby cities in South Africa gathered on May 25, 2024, at the High Commission to celebrate Vesak Day.

The event was organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community in South Africa. The event also commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 54/115, which internationally recognized the Day of Vesak.

After the Buddha Puja, religious observances were conducted by Most Ven. Phra Kitsakol Phaenoi, Abbot of the Johannesburg Meditation Centre. The religious event included listening to Dharma, chanting, meditation, dedication of merits, and receiving blessings.

Following the religious observances, attendees lit Vesak lanterns and oil lamps. Then, a Bhakthi Geetha session was conducted for all devotees.

More than 75 participants, including members of the diplomatic community in Pretoria, devotees from the Johannesburg Meditation Centre, and Sri Lankan community members representing all religions and ethnicities, including Tamil, Muslim, and Christian, attended the event. 

A light vegetarian dinner, including Sri Lankan traditional cuisine, was served to all devotees who attended the event.

High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria