The First Sermon of Lord Buddha, also known as Dharmachakra Parivartan Din or Turning the Wheel of Dharma Day, is a significant religious holiday in Bhutan, a Buddhist country. It commemorates the first sermon given by Gautama Buddha after he attained enlightenment. This is one of the most important occasions for Buddhists and is observed on the full moon day in the Lunar month of Ashadha, which typically falls in July or August.
On this day, the citizens of Bhutan, from the king to the common man, participate in various traditional and religious practices. Many local believers visit monasteries, temples, and sacred sites to offer prayers and perform rituals. They chant mantras, light butter lamps, and listen to their monks recite the sermons of Buddha. For Bhutanese Buddhists, it is a day to reaffirm their devotion and commitment to the teachings of Buddha.
The religious observances on the First Sermon of Lord Buddha echo the significance of Buddhism to the spiritual, cultural, and societal life in Bhutan. The teachings of Buddha form the core of Bhutanese beliefs, shaping their attitudes and guiding their daily living. The holiday serves not only as a reminder of Buddha's wisdom but also as a reaffirmation of the principles of truth, peace, and human understanding that are central to Buddhist philosophy.