**Policy Summary:**
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Mahabodhi Society of India, will commemorate *shha PrimDhammacakkappavattana Divas* at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, on July 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM onwards. This event marks the anniversary of Lord Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, also known as the "First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma," and the beginning of *Varsha Vassa*, the Rainy Season Retreat. The program includes a Parikrama and chanting ceremony at Dhamek Stupa, followed by reflections from monks, scholars, and dignitaries. *shha Prim* is observed as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand, and Guru Purnima by Buddhists and Hindus. The IBC, founded in 2012, is an organization with over 320 member bodies across 39 countries. The IBC is headquartered in New Delhi. Contact information: Sunil Kumar Tiwari, pibcultureatgmaildotcom. Release ID: 2143093.
Key Entities Referenced
shha Prim Dhammacakkappavattana Divas: A Buddhist festival commemorating the first sermon of Lord Buddha.
Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A city in Uttar Pradesh, India where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Lord Buddha: The founder of Buddhism, whose first sermon is being commemorated.
Ministry of Culture: The Indian government ministry supporting the event.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC): An international organization of Buddhist organizations that is organizing the event.
Mahabodhi Society of India: An Indian Buddhist organization collaborating in the event.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara: The venue of the event in Sarnath.
Dhamek Stupa: A significant Buddhist monument in Sarnath where a Parikrama and chanting ceremony will be held.
Ministry of Culture
IBC to Celebrate shha Prim –
Dhammacakkappavattana Divas at Sarnath on 10
July
Global Buddhist Community to Commemorate First
Sermon of Lord Buddha
Posted On: 08 JUL 2025 3:08PM by PIB Delhi
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
th
Divas—with a solemn spiritual programme at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, on Thursday, 10 July 2025.
shha Prim 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, iipatana Mrigadya,
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.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2143093)