This article first appeared in the June 2026 Headquarters Update.

The International Buddhist Association of America (IBAA) hosted the Fifth Annual Vesak Lamp Lighting Ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2026. This year’s ceremony brought together Buddhist leaders, monastics, and representatives from diverse traditions, along with ambassadors and dignitaries from South and Southeast Asia, in a spirit of friendship, cultural understanding, and peace.

Representing the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani attended the event together with Bishop Marvin Harada of the Buddhist Churches of America and Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara of the Jodo Shinshu International Office.

The 2026 Vesak was held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds.

BCA Bishop Marvin Harada in gassho at the 2026 White House Vesak ceremony

(From left) Bishop Marvin Harada (BCA), Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara (JSIO), Mrs. Wangmo Dixey (IBAA), and Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani (HHMH) (2026 White House Vesak)

Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. Celebrated by Buddhists throughout the world for more than 2,500 years, Vesak was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1999 as an international day of significance.

This year’s White House Vesak Ceremony was organized by Mrs. Wangmo Dixey, President of the IBAA, in cooperation with the White House Faith Office, particularly Pastor Paula White-Cain. In her welcome message, Mrs. Dixey stated:

This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. It is fitting that we gather in this historic place, representing many cultures, traditions, and faiths, united by our shared aspirations for peace, understanding, and a better future for all. We are supported by the enduring American ideals of religious freedom and mutual respect—values that have allowed diverse spiritual traditions to flourish and contribute to the richness of our nation.

Mrs. Dixey also noted that Buddhism is practiced today by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Across the United States, nearly 4,000 temples, monasteries, meditation centers, and practice communities serve people from all walks of life. One of America’s unique strengths, she explained, is that the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions have all flourished side by side. While many countries may be home to only one Buddhist tradition, the United States offers opportunities for Buddhists of different traditions to learn from, appreciate, and support one another while remaining united in their shared values.

The ceremony included messages from representatives of the White House Faith Office, the lighting of lamps, and chants and aspirations offered by representatives of the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. Bishop Marvin Harada lit the ceremonial lamp on behalf of the Mahayana tradition. Bishop Harada, Bishop Umitani, and Rev. Kuwahara then joined other Mahayana representatives in chanting sutras and offering aspirations for peace and harmony.

Reflecting on the experience, Bishop Umitani shared:

It was truly a privilege and honor to participate in the Vesak Ceremony at the White House. As I joined the service, I felt the beauty of diversity and the richness of the Buddhist traditions that have flourished throughout the United States. As one of these traditions, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii has both a place and a responsibility to continue sharing the Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion—values that transcend differences and unite humanity.