The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, will be hosting the Āṣāḍha Pūrṇimā Celebrations as Dhammacakkappavattana Divas on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, and the 4th International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars on Thursday, 30 July 2026, at CIHTS, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.

ABOUT DHAMMACAKKAPPAVATTANA DIVAS

Āṣāḍha Pūrṇimā holds deep reverence in the Buddhist tradition and is esteemed as the second most sacred observance after Vaiśākha Buddha Pūrṇimā. This auspicious full-moon day commemorates the Buddha’s inaugural discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Pāli) or Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra (Sanskrit), delivered seven weeks after His Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree.

On this momentous occasion, the Blessed One imparted the Dharma to the Pañcavaggiyā— the five ascetics who had formerly accompanied Him in His spiritual quest—at the hallowed Deer Park (Ṛṣipatana Mṛgadāya), in present-day Sarnath near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

This epoch-defining event is venerated as the First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma, signifying the commencement of the Buddha’s ministry and the unfolding of His liberating teachings to humanity. In this seminal discourse, the Buddha expounded the Middle Way (Majjhimāpaṭipadā), a path transcending the twin extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. He illuminated the Four Noble Truths (Cattāri Ariyasaccāni) and the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariyo Aṭṭhaṅgiko Maggo), founded upon the cultivation of Śīla (ethical discipline), Samādhi (meditative concentration), and Praññā (transcendent wisdom). Together, these teachings constitute the very essence of the Buddha’s dispensation and continue to guide countless beings on the path to liberation.

Āṣāḍha Pūrṇimā is also traditionally linked with the Mahābhiniṣkramaṇa; the Great Renunciation or Great Departure. On this momentous occasion, Prince Siddhārtha relinquished the privileges and comforts of princely life, setting forth in search of a path that would transcend the universal realities of old age, illness, and death. This noble act of renunciation marked the beginning of His spiritual odyssey and the unfolding of a quest that would culminate in Supreme Enlightenment for the welfare and liberation of all sentient beings.