The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of India and supported by the Ministry of Culture, will observe Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā on July 10 with a solemn ceremony at the historic Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath.
Also known as Dhammacakkappavattana Divas, Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā commemorates the First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma. It was on this day that the Buddha, after attaining enlightenment, delivered his first sermon to the five ascetics at the Deer Park in Sarnath.
The event marks the formal beginning of Buddha Dhamma or the Buddha’s teachings.
The day also signifies the beginning of Varsha Vassa, the traditional Rainy Season Retreat observed by monastics across the Buddhist world.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the observance will begin at 4:00 pm with a solemn “Parikrama” and chanting ceremony at the Dhamek Stupa. This will be followed by the Mangalacharan, or chanting of the Mangala Sutta, and reflections by monks, scholars, and dignitaries.
Sarnath is known as the cradle of the Buddha’s teachings It was here that the Buddha first expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā is observed across Buddhist-majority countries under different names, such as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asalha Bucha in Thailand.
The day also coincides with Guru Purnima, a festival observed by Hindus to honour spiritual teachers and mentors.
The International Buddhist Confederation, established in 2012 following the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi, is the world’s first international umbrella body representing Buddhist organizations, monastic orders, and lay institutions from diverse traditions and geographies.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the IBC currently has over 320 member organizations across 39 countries.
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