Vihara

Vihara (sanskrit or pali for dwelling or refuge) was originally a place where the early nomadic monks could seek refugefrom the rainy season. it was a quarangled building with small cells coming offit. it was built near to settlements so the monks could provide the necessary help but wouldn't be disturbed whilst meditating.

Sunday Service

A Buddhist Service is held every Sunday, exceptduring August.
The Sevice times are: 1 January to 15 April from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm and 16 April to
31 December from 5pm to 6pm.
Service sheets are provided giving Pali stanzas with Englishtranslation.
A short sermon, meditation, chanting and discussion period are part of the service

FESTIVALS
Traditionally, Buddha's Birthday is known as Vesak or Visakah Puja (Buddha's BirthdayCelebrations). Vesak is the major Buddhist festival of the year as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the one day, the first full moon day in May, except in a leap year when thefestival is held in June. This celebration is called Vesak being the name of the month in the Indian calendar.
In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos, the new year iscelebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In Mahayana countries the new year starts on the first full moon day in January. However, the Buddhist New Year depends on the country oforigin or ethnic background of the people. As for example, Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrate late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, whilst the Tibetans usuallycelebrate about one month later.
agha Puja Day takes places on the full moon day of the third lunar month (March). This holy day is observed to commemorate an important event in the life of the Buddha. Thisevent occurred early in the Buddha's teaching life.

After the first Rains Retreat (Vassa) at the Deer Park at Sarnath, the Buddha went to Rajagaha city where 1250 Arahats,(Enlightened saints)...