You are invited to participate in the 13th Annual Vesak Celebration, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha—an Enlightened Spiritual Leader who lived more than 2,500 years ago. This free, public celebration will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mississauga Celebration Square.

The celebration will begin with a colorful parade around City Hall at 3:00 PM, followed by the official opening ceremony at 4:00 PM.

This vibrant, family‑friendly event showcases the rich cultural diversity of Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area. The celebration is organized by four leading Buddhist temples—Fo Guang Shan Temple (FGS), West End Buddhist Temple & Meditation Centre (WEBMC), Cham Shan Temple (CST), and Karma Sonam Dargye Ling Tibetan Temple (KSDL)—and brings together thousands of community members in a spirit of unity and joy.

Last year, the event welcomed over 7,000 attendees, including government representatives, public servants, and community members. This year, we anticipate more than 10,000 participants.

Event highlights include:

• Multicultural chanting from the three major Buddhist traditions
• Cultural performances featuring traditional songs, dances, and a Shaolin martial arts demonstration
• A Southeast Asian food‑tasting experience
• The “Buddhism 101” booth, offering introductory information and friendly Q&A with English‑speaking volunteers
• Chanting and recitations in Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhalese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Burmese, Thai, Japanese, Laotian, Hindi, and Bengali

Monks, nuns, and lay devotees from diverse traditions and cultures will take part, appearing in ceremonial robes that add to the spiritual beauty and significance of the celebration.