Buddhist Festivals & Special Events

At the LBC we celebrate a number of traditional Buddhist festivals – for instance the Enlightenment of the Buddha. These festivals often have a strong element of collective practice, meditation and ritual. They are an excellent way to meet and practise with others.

We also have special events such as Buddhist rituals to mark the full moon nights, and Mandala Community Evenings – where people who regularly attend the LBC meet with the council of trustees to discuss the direction of the centre.

Newcomers - open to all, but specifically aimed at beginners
Going Deeper - for regulars, Mitras and those who have asked for ordination
Mandala - open to all

7 Feb Full Moon PujaMandala

A regular monthly event giving a chance to explore the expansive scope of Buddhist ritual.

Led by Sanghasiha.

Tue 8.45pm as part of the Tuesday Class. Suggested donation £2.

Future Full Moon Pujas: Thu 8 Mar and Fri 6 Apr.

11 Feb Fundraising Hairstyling Event at the LBCMandala

A Special Event for the Vajrasana Retreat Centre Appeal

Professional hair-stylist and former Director for Toni&Guy London, Lydia is offering a full cut & blow dry service at a suggested donation of £20 on behalf of the Vajrasana Fundraising Appeal. Lydia has 10 years’ professional hairdressing experience, 6 of which were spent working at senior level for Toni&Guy as Artistic Director and as branch head of Education.

Pre-booking essential - please email nextgeneration@lbc.org.uk to book.

This fundraising event has been initiated and will be supported by the LBC’s Next Generation team

Sat 9am- 6.15pm

11 - 12 Feb Vajrasattva Day & Paranirvana Day Mandala

Two festival days exploring the love and beauty as well as the encounter and challenge of life in the context of spiritual practice.

Led by Santavajri and Nagarakshita.

Sat & Sun. No need to book. Dana/donation.

Full programme

18 Feb Fashion Show and AuctionMandala

A Special Event for the Vajrasana Retreat Centre Appeal

Lama’s Pyjamas present an evening of fashion. A catwalk auction of clothes including retro, vintage, Burberry, Diesel, Ted Baker, Jaeger, Fab India and Ben Sherman. With stalls, refreshments, and music.

Sat 7pm. £2 on the door.

At the London Buddhist Arts Centre

25 Feb Community SingingMandala

A Special Event for the Vajrasana Retreat Centre Appeal

Come and join us for community singing; raising your voice as well as raising money for Vajrasana! Starting with fun warm-ups, learn ‘by ear’ rounds, mantras and songs from around the world.

No need for previous experience of choirs or to read music, just a sense of fun and passion for singing together.

Led by Julie Mismo and Dayabhadra.

Sat 5.15- 6.45pm. Suggested donation £5

Further dates: 17 Mar and 28 Apr.

24 Mar Poetry East Mandala

Showcasing the work of well-known contemporary poets, and the relationship between poetry and spiritual life.

Sasha Dugdale’s recent translations of Elena Shvarts' poems Birdsong on the Seabed were shortlisted for the Popescu Prize and the Academica Rossica Award. ‘One of the most original poets of her generation’ - Paul Batchelor, The Guardian.

Sat 7.30-10pm. £7.

Booking essential Poetry East website