The Pittsburgh Buddhist Center hosted its annual Katina Pooja on October 27, 2024, a significant religious ceremony marking the end of the Vassa (rainy season retreat). The event drew a large gathering of devotees from across the U.S., coming together to express gratitude and support for the monastic community. The ceremony was organized under the guidance of Ven. Dr. Soorakkulame Pemaratana, the chief abbot of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, who extended a warm welcome to both the Maha Sangha and lay attendees, emphasizing the collective spirit that defines this annual celebration.

This year, the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center had the privilege of hosting distinguished monks from Sri Lanka, with Ven. Dr. Pemaratana welcoming Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandita Professor Attangane Ratanapala Nayaka Maha Thero, Judicial Prelate of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, and Most Venerable Pandita Attangane Sasanaratana Nayaka Maha Thero, General Secretary of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya. Additionally, the ceremony saw the presence of Most Venerable Katugasthota Uparatana Nayaka Maha Thero, the judicial high priest for North America and chief incumbent of Maryland Buddhis Vihara, and other revered monks, including Venerable Yatinuwara Sankicca Maha Thero, President of the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara in Detroit, and Venerable Thanamalvila Rahula Thero.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Venerable Hulruluwawe Chandrawansa from the Pennsylvania Meditation Center and Professor Raluwe Padmasiri, who joined the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center during his sabbatical leave from Sri Lanka. Bhante Deepananda traveled from Los Angeles, and Bhante Shanta Wimala arrived from Arizona to support the event. Resident monks Bhante Buddhadattha and Bhante Lakkhana from the Cleveland Buddhist Vihara also contributed to the ceremony, Bhante Mettananda, Bhante Kamalasiri (resident monks of  Pittsburgh Buddhist Center) Bhante Buddhadattha, Bhante Lakkhana (resident monks of Cleveland Buddhist Vihara) also contributed to the ceremony embodying the deep spiritual bond among the Sangha.

In his address, Ven. Dr. Pemaratana expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event’s key sponsors, the Jayasekera family, led by Mr. Suresh Jayasekera, Shashie, and Dinith, as well as their mother, Padma Rathnayake, and all members of the Rathnayake family. Their generous contributions were instrumental in supporting the Katina Pooja, reflecting the deep-rooted tradition of generosity that sustains the temple and its activities. Ven Dr. Pemaratana appreciated the presence of Ambassidor Mahinda Samrasinghe Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States for his participation.

Ambassador Samarasinghe, in his address, highlighted that it was the venerable Maha Sangha who, throughout Sri Lanka’s  history, fought to protect Sri Lankas cultural heritage and Buddhist traditions. He provided numerous examples, especially from the 450 years of colonial occupation when Buddhism was under threat, and that thousands of monks sacrificed their lives to preserve a tradition that dates back 2,500 years. The Ambassador further noted that there are approximately 85 Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist temples across the U.S. and that the venerable priests at these temples and meditation centers are the true ambassadors of Sri Lanka. This is why Sri Lankan Buddhists revere the venerable monks.

Ambassador Samarasinghe also pointed out that the U.S. is a secular state and has shown great tolerance and accommodation for other cultures and religions, fostering diversity that has propelled the country to greatness

The Katina Pooja saw devotees from across states, including Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia, alongside a strong representation from the Cleveland Buddhist Vihara and the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center community. The gathering exemplified the spirit of dedication and togetherness, with families and children joining to perform rituals, offer alms, and share in the blessings of this meritorious day. Apart from the American of Sri Lankan origin many Americans also joined the Katina ceremony.

The Pittsburgh Buddhist Center’s Katina Pooja remains a cherished tradition, reaffirming the temple’s role as a center of spiritual learning and community gathering.