The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of India, will commemorate Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā—Dhammacakkappavattana Divas—with a solemn spiritual programme at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, on Thursday, 10^th July 2025.

Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā marks the First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma, the day when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to the pañcavargiya (five ascetic companions) at the Deer Park, Ṛiṣipatana Mrigadāya, now known as Sarnath. This sacred occasion also heralds the beginning of Varsha Vassa (Rainy Season Retreat), observed by monks and nuns across the Buddhist world.

Programme Highlights

            •           Date: 10th July 2025 (Thursday)

            •           Time: 04:00 PM onwards

            •           Venue: Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

            •           Organised by: International Buddhist Confederation & Mahabodhi Society of India

            •           Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India

The evening will commence with a sacred Parikrama and chanting ceremony at the historic Dhamek Stupa, led by the Venerable Sangha community. This ritual walk and recitation will evoke the profound spiritual energy of the site, followed by Mangalacharan and reflections by eminent monks, scholars, and dignitaries.

Sarnath: Cradle of the Buddha’s Teachings

It was here that the Enlightened One shared the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, laying the foundation of the Buddha Dhamma. Observed as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand, this day holds deep spiritual significance across Buddhist nations.

Additionally, Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā is observed as Guru Purnima by Buddhists and Hindus alike—a time to pay homage to one’s spiritual teachers, the dispellers of darkness through knowledge.

About the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

“Collective Wisdom, United Voice”

Founded in 2012 following the Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi, the IBC is the world’s first organization that brings together Buddhist organizations, monastic orders, and lay institutions across 39 countries and over 320 member bodies. Headquartered in New Delhi, the IBC is a globally recognized platform committed to inclusive representation across traditions, regions, and genders.

With its mission to embed Buddhist values into global conversations and foster harmony, the IBC upholds a vision of unity, compassion, and spiritual dialogue. Its governing structure includes both monastic and lay participation, truly reflecting the principle of collective responsibility in preserving and propagating the Buddha Dhamma.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com