The annual Kathina Festival at the Hague Town Sri Sambuddhaloka Buddhist Temple in the United States was recently celebrated with the participation of a large number of Buddhists living in the country. Established in 2016, the temple stands as a prominent center of Buddhist practice in the U.S., exemplifying the teachings of the Buddha.
This year’s festival was meticulously organized by the temple’s incumbent, Venerable Matara Karaputugala Indarathana Thero, with the support of generous donors. The religious proceedings were led by Venerable Nedagamuwe Pannaloka Thero of Weedon Temple and Venerable Vathuliyadde Rathanaseeha Thero of Washington Temple. During the Fahadadima, Venerable Pannaloka Thero explained the history, rituals, and significance of the Kathina Festival to the youth and other attendees.
Key contributors to the success of the event included Upul Perera and Dr. Kamani Karandana from Panadura, along with Sampath Liyanagunawardana and Chamika Hathurusingha from Galle. Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, along with embassy staff, also provided significant support and took part in the proceedings.
In his address, Venerable Karaputugala Indarathana Thero expressed deep gratitude, stating: “I have always received unwavering support from the Chief Incumbent of Weedon Vihara, Katugastota Uparathana Thero. Both Sri Lankan and American Buddhists have greatly contributed to the establishment and growth of this temple. Whether I am here or not, I will always appreciate the gratitude of those who pay homage here, and the merit will also extend to Katugastota Thero.”
He went on to praise Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe for his consistent engagement with temples and the Sri Lankan community in the U.S., noting: “Ambassador Samarasinghe has been a pillar of support, providing assistance whenever we call upon the embassy, especially in emergencies. The embassy has supported numerous activities of the temple, and current ambassadors continue to render invaluable service to both the temple and the country.”
Thero also highlighted the key contributions made by Upul, Kamani, Sampath, and Chamika towards the temple’s physical development, including carpeting the entrance and providing air conditioning and heating systems. He further expressed gratitude to the Galle community, particularly Mohammed Ghazali, who has provided meals for festival attendees regardless of their faith.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed in any way and participated in making this event a success,” concluded Venerable Karaputugala Indarathana Thero.
