Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

On the auspicious occasion of Āshāḍha Pūrnima, which commemorates the Dhammacakkapavatana Divas—the day when Lord Buddha delivered His first sermon at Sarnath—the International Buddhist Confederation; under the aegis of Ministry of Culture; Government of India in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of India will host a special programme on Thursday, 10th July 2025 at Mulagandh Kuti Vihara, Sarnath. This sacred observance will draw together monks, scholars, and devotees to pay homage to the First turning of the Wheel of Dhamma, commemorating an important moment in Buddhist tradition.

It was at Sarnath that Gautama, the Buddha delivered his first sermon, thereby setting in motion the sacred Wheel of Dharma (Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta (Pāli) or Dharma Cakra Pravartana Sutra (Sanskrit). This momentous event is commemorated on Āshāḍha Pūrnimā, the full moon day in the month of Ashadha according to the Indian lunar calendar. The day is also celebrated as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand.

This day marks the occasion when the Enlightened One imparted the first teachings to his five ascetic companions (pañcavargiya - Kondañña, Assaji, Bhaddiya, Vappa, and Mahānāma) at Deer Park, Ṛiṣipatana Mrigadāya, now known as Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. These teachings, revered as the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” laid the foundation for Buddha Dhamma by introducing the foundational tecahings like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

This day also signifies the commencement of the Varsha Vassa (Rainy Season Retreat), a three-month period from July to October during which monks and nuns traditionally remain in one location—usually a monastery—to engage in intensive meditation. During this time, they are supported by the lay community, who observe Uposatha, a spiritual practice involving adherence to eight precepts and meditation under the guidance of their teachers.