Shan State Buddhist University

Birthday Blessing Ceremony in Honour of our Founding Rector Sayādaw

Shan State Buddhist University will hold a Birthday Blessing Ceremony for the Most Venerable Professor Dr. Khammai Dhammasāmi (DPhil, Oxford), our Founding Rector and Professor, on Sayādaw's 62nd birthday. The ceremony takes place in Taunggyi over three days, from 19 to 21 November 2026, following the Pāḷi term vijāta mañgala pūjā for the blessing of a birthday.

The three days are arranged as one sequence. The Pāḷi Speaking Conference, held at junior and intermediate levels, occupies the first two days. On 19 November the university also holds seminars and lectures on three subjects: children's health and well-being, Buddhist management theory, and general knowledge of Pāḷi texts. These sessions are open to students and to anyone interested in joining.

The final day, 21 November, carries the central observances. The Paritta Recitation Ceremony for the Birthday Blessing takes place on the morning of the day itself. The Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony follows, a traditional act of merit offered at the close of the rains. The day concludes with a Charitable Feast, a community offering of food to monks and to the public, known in Pāḷi as cātudisā-dāna.

The celebrations are not confined to the three days of the blessing. Before them, on 17 and 18 November, the university holds the 3rd Student Conference for the 2026–2027 academic year. After them, on 22 November, two foundation-laying ceremonies mark the start of new construction: a set of meditation buildings, and a new Saṅgha residence in the Buddha Zone.

Students, alumni, devotees, and members of the public are respectfully invited to attend. Those who wish to offer a donation or other support may contact the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ven. Vicittābhipāla (Pro-Rector), or the University's designated contact persons through the numbers given in the full programme.

 

Posters in Pāḷi, Thai, Shan, and Burmese are published below the English version.