Vesak recognises the Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing, which those of Buddhist faith say happened on the same day.

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Wagga Sri Lankan Community Association president Sampath Hathurusinghe said the annual recognition was something of great importance to them, passing on through the generations.

"On May 15, we celebrate the day with meditation, creating lanterns, and then lighting of the lanterns," he said.

"It's all about passing these traditions on to our kids, celebrating our faith and spreading peace and happiness."

Mr Hathurusinghe said this year, they were expecting to light 150 lanterns between 5.30pm and 8.30pm outside the Tarcutta Street Senior Citizens' Centre.

"For the first time here in Wagga, we will also be making a Vesak Pandol, which will be nearly 4.5 metres tall and lights up as well, representing the story of Sama Jathakaya which spreads the message of family and looking after your parents," he said.

Meditation will be held between 8.30am and 4.30pm at the centre, and the Buddhist community will also be sharing prayers the night before to "bless everyone, all beings and all life", according to Mr Hathurusinghe.

"Everyone is Wagga is welcome to join, this day is very important to us and we would love to share that with the community," he said.

A Wagga Multi-Faith Prayers event is also being held on May 15 from 2.30pm to 4pm in the Victory Memorial Gardens, sharing prayers for the victims of COVID-19.

The following day, the International Day of Living Together in Peace will be held at the Senior Citizens' Centre.

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