We are delighted to welcome you to the newly redesigned website of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara. This refreshed online home brings together our practices, events and community in one place, making it easier than ever to connect with the Vihara and the Dhamma.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara welcomes the community for a joyful Poson evening featuring devotional songs and the traditional sharing of free food and ice cream. All are invited to gather in fellowship while commemorating the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Bhante Uparatana joined Ven. Dr. Thanat Inthisan and members of the Thai Buddhist community to pay his respects to Ven. Thanat’s late father, offering condolences and standing in fellowship with a longtime friend and fellow founder of the IBAA.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 19 April 2026, bringing devotees and friends together for traditional observances, festive foods and fellowship under Bhante Uparatana’s guidance, with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States in attendance.

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.

Bhante Uparatana joined the Washington welcome for the historic Walk for Peace, greeting the Maha Sangha at Washington National Cathedral and later presenting an honorary plaque at American University in recognition of their message of peace, compassion, wisdom and unity.

Students from MBV’s Dhamma School for Young Ones joined Bhante Uparatana on stage to sing Sri Lanka’s National Anthem during the 78th Independence Day celebration in Wheaton, sharing their heritage with the Sri Lankan community across the Washington metropolitan area.

Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thera presented a donation of US$17,000 to Sri Lankan Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe on behalf of the Maryland Sri Lankan community, in support of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Bhante joined members of the Maha Sangha in Sri Lanka for the blessing and handover of Medirigiriya House, a newly built home for a family in need, reflecting the Buddhist values of compassion, generosity, dignity and service to the community.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara’s 2025 Katina Ceremony brought the Sangha and lay community together for procession, chanting, the ceremonial dyeing of robe cloth and offering of the Katina robe, in a day of devotion, gratitude, fellowship and shared merit for all.

Maryland Buddhist Vihara hosted a free community health screening in partnership with the Sri Lankan American Society for Health and the Health Betterment Initiative, offering preventive checks, laboratory services and practical health guidance to members of the local Sri Lankan community.

Bhante Uparatana visited Washington’s Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens during the 2025 Lotus and Water Lily Festival, sharing a peaceful summer outing with members of the community amid ponds filled with lotus blossoms, water lilies and the beauty of the natural world.