The Hagerstown Sri Sambuddhaloka Buddhist Temple recently celebrated its annual Katina Pinkama, drawing a large gathering of Buddhists from across the country. Founded in 2016, the temple showcases the life of the Buddha and serves as a vibrant center for the community. The event was organized by Matara Karaputugala Indarathana Thero and other contributors, highlighting the temple’s ongoing commitment to fostering Buddhist traditions and practices in the area. The Katina Pinkama is a significant event in the Buddhist calendar, marking the end of the Vassa (rainy season retreat) and emphasizing community support for the monastic community.

This year’s Katina Pinkama at the Hagerstown Sri Sambuddhaloka Buddhist Temple featured rituals conducted by Nadagamuwe Pannaloka Thero from Wheaton Buddhist Vihara and Wathuliyadde Rathanaseeha Thero from Washington Buddhist Vihara. Pannaloka Thero shared insights into the history, customs, and rituals associated with Katina Pinkama, enriching the knowledge of the youth and attendees.

Key devotees supporting this year’s event included Mr. Upul Perera and Dr. Kamani Karandana, as well as Mr. Sampath Liyagunawardana and Ms. Chamika Hathurusingha. The celebration also saw the participation of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe and Embassy officials, whose contributions helped ensure the event's success.

Addressing the gathering, Venerable Karaputugala Indarathana Thero expressed deep gratitude to Katugasthota Uparathana Nayaka Thero of Wheaton Vihara for his unwavering support. He also thanked the Sri Lankan and American Buddhists whose contributions were vital in constructing the Hagerstown temple.

Indarathana Thero emphasized the enduring impact of the temple on the community, stating that the blessings of the worshippers would extend to him, regardless of his presence. He noted that the merits of this gathering would also accrue to Katugasthota Uparathana Thero, highlighting the interconnectedness of their spiritual journeys.

In his address, Karaputugala Indarathana Thero expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, highlighting his exceptional involvement with American Buddhist temples and the Sri Lankan community in the U.S. He acknowledged the Embassy's prompt support during emergencies and commended the officials and staff for their contributions to various temple activities.

Indarathana Thero recognized the significant contributions of the two families—Mr. Upul Perera and Dr. Kamani Karandana, as well as Mr. Sampath Liyagunawardana and Ms. Chamika Hathurusingha—to the success of the Katina Pinkama. Their efforts included improvements to the temple’s physical infrastructure, such as carpeting the entrance and providing air conditioning and heating.

He also extended special thanks to Mr. Mohammad Ghazali of Galle, who generously offers delicious food to all attendees, regardless of their background. Karaputugala Indarathana Thero conveyed immense gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event's success, emphasizing the communal spirit that made the celebration meaningful.