On Saturday 10 May, Manchester Museum warmly welcomed visitors to its second annual celebration of Vesak, one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar.

Marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Lord Buddha, Vesak is a deeply spiritual occasion observed by millions of people across the world. Visitors to the Museum were invited to connect with the occasion through a programme of activities and opportunities for reflection.

This year’s celebration was co-created with Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Wythenshawe and several local Buddhist groups. The Museum came alive with the gentle rhythm and vibration of chanting from different Buddhist traditions, and the Museum’s visitors took part in a range of drop-in activities including a lantern-making workshop and lotus flower origami. There were also performances, including poetry by children from Ketumati’s Dhamma School, and a dynamic Sri Lankan Kandyan dance, which filled the Museum’s Living Worlds gallery with colour and traditional storytelling.

Ruth Cook, Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, said: “In shared silence and sound, in craft and contemplation, we were reminded of our common path – a path that transcends tradition, language, and form.”

Vesak at the Museum brought together communities from diverse Buddhist traditions; Theravada (Sri Lankan and Thai monastic traditions and a lay Samatha tradition), Japanese Zen, Gelug Mahāyāna, and Taiwanese. Co-creation is at the heart of Manchester Museum’s work and by partnering with local faith groups, the day embraced this spirit, creating a welcoming space where traditions were both honoured and shared.

Ruth, said: “The gathering was more than an event; it was a living mandala of harmony, compassion, and joy, planted like a lotus in the heart of Manchester.” 

• You can find out more about Vesak on the Manchester Museum website.