Bhante Uparatana led American University’s 2026 Vesak observance, bringing students, monastics and friends together for reflection, meditation and candle-lighting, while sharing the Buddha’s timeless message of peace, compassion, loving-kindness and mindful living within the university’s interfaith community in Washington, D.C.

Bhante’s 72nd birthday was celebrated at Maryland Buddhist Vihara and commemorated in Sri Lanka through a community blood donation programme, bringing devotees together in gratitude and reflecting the Buddhist values of generosity, compassion, service and reverence for a devoted teacher.