The Asadha Purnima celebrations held on 21st July 2024 was a significant event organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), and Ministry of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh. The celebrations marked the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, at Sarnath near Varanasi in India. This event is also referred as "Turning the Wheel of Dharma".

The event saw over 400 participants from various temples and monasteries in Sarnath as well as senior Sangha members who were invited for the programme from different parts of the countries. In addition, a galaxy of scholars and academicians from various universities based in Varanasi such as Banaras Hindu University, Sampoornanand Sanskrit University and Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. There were overall representatives from 10 countries namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Atisha Hall of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS)

The celebrations commenced with the arrival of Chief Guests and senior Sangha members, who were warmly welcomed and felicitated for their presence. The programme was hosted at the Atisha Hall of Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, which included addresses by key figures such as Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jhanchup Choeden, Secretary General, IBC, who emphasized the importance of Buddhist teachings in the contemporary world and highlighted the essentiality of preserving and propagating Buddhist philosophy. Following the addresses, Ven. Wanchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice-Chancellor of CIHTS and Ven. Ananda Bhikkhu, General Secretary, Mahabodhi Society Bengaluru delivered a profound Dhamma talks, focusing on the relevance of Buddhist principles in modern life and the importance of inner peace and compassion.

Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jhanchup Choeden

Ven. Wanchuk Dorjee Negi

Ven. Ananda Bhikkhu

Highlight of the event was the presentation on NORBU, the AI Kalyan Mitra (spiritual friend) of IBC - Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding. This initiative, introduced by Mr. Lim Kooi Fong from Malaysia and Ven. Khemmanando, a Russian monk involved in its technical training, aims to empower Dhamma seekers globally through accessible mobile platforms and was physically present at the event. This AI bot serves as a conduit to propagate Dhamma teachings, presenting pragmatic solutions grounded in Buddhist philosophy for everyday adversities. It affords users a convenient platform to assimilate Buddhist principles and profound wisdom directly via their mobile devices. There were exchange of certificates between the NORBU and IBC acknowledging IBC as the official Global Patron of NORBU.

Shri. Anil Rajbhar, Hon'ble Minister of Labour and Employment, Govt of U.P

The Chief Guest of the event, Shri. Anil Rajbhar, Hon'ble Minister of Labour and Employment, in his address articulated that our ancient Sanskriti (culture), with its profound wisdom and knowledge, ought to be widely disseminated for the collective advancement of humanity. His advocacy reflected the Buddha's life and how it could aid in harnessing the rich heritage of our culture to propel societal development and global well-being.

Shri. Anil Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employment, Govt of U.P

The cultural segment of the event featured traditional Himalayan Buddhist performances by the students of CIHTS followed by the performance of Shivom Kathak Group that enriched the spiritual ambiance of the gathering with the thematical Kathak performance. The celebrations concluded with a lunch for the Sangha by IBC, fostering camaraderie and dialogue among monks from different traditions and monasteries.

Students of CIHTS

Shivom Kathak Group

Later in the evening, IBC's delegation joined the prayer meet where around 300 Sangha members and lay devotees recited the Dhammacakkappavattana sutta at the historic Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath. After the chanting, a Vipassana session was organized by IBC led by Dr. Ravindra Panth, Director, IBC.

This serene gathering provided an opportunity for collective prayer and meditation, symbolizing unity and reverence for the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Venerable monks reciting the Dhammacakkappavattana sutta at the Dhamek Stupa