On the sacred occasion of Ashadha Purnima, a deeply revered event in Buddhist tradition, a commemorative gathering was held at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath on 10th July, 2025. Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of India, the celebration honoured the Buddha’s first sermon—his turning of the Wheel of Dhamma—marking the emergence of the Sangha and the beginning of the Buddhist monastic tradition. The celebration was graced by the presence of over 60 venerables monks and nuns from Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, fostering a spiritually enriching and harmonious atmosphere.

Significance of the Day

Ashadha Purnima, aligned with the full moon of the Ashadha month, commemorates the Buddha’s first teachings in Sarnath. This event also marks the onset of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic retreat during rainy retreat—a time devoted to spiritual reflection and study.

Observances

The programme began with a solemn parikrama around the sacred Dhamek Stupa. Monks, nuns, and lay devotees walked in meditative silence, paying homage through prayer and presence. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ancient stone monument emanated tranquility, symbolizing spiritual continuity and collective reverence.

Address and Reflections

• Ven. Summitananda Thero, In-charge of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, opened the gathering with a welcome address. He spoke on the spiritual significance of the location and its role in nurturing unity within the global Buddhist community.
• Ven. Dieu Tri, a senior nun from Vietnam, shared moving reflections on the recent Buddha Relic Exposition in Vietnam, which drew 17.8 million devotees across nine cities. Her words highlighted the universal bonds of Buddhist faith.
• A documentary presented by the IBC showcased this monumental event of the Holy Buddha Relic Exposition and its wide-reaching spiritual impact.
• Ven. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, blended scholarly insight with spiritual depth. He revisited the symbolic meaning: like Sakyamuni’s conception—Mahamaya Devi's dream of the six-tusked white elephant, the Dharma’s initiation and the Sangha’s formation.
• Most Ven. Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo–Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, emphasized the ancient ties between India and Sri Lanka and expressed gratitude to the Government of India for hosting the observance at Sarnath.
• Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, articulated a vision of global fellowship built on mindful engagement, empathy, and inclusive dialogue—vital pillars for a peaceful world.
• The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Ven. Seelawanso Thero, Principal of Pali and Buddhist Dhamadoot College, Mahabodhi Society of India, expressing collective gratitude and reaffirming the commitment to shared spiritual values.

The observance not only celebrated a pivotal moment in Buddhist history but also reinforced global spiritual kinship, scholarly engagement, and the timeless rhythm of compassion and enlightenment.