Asalha Puja is an important Buddhist festival observed in Theravada countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The occasion also known as Asalha Bucha or Dhamma Day, typically falls on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, which usually corresponds to July in the Gregorian calendar. Asalha Puja 2024 is celebrated on July 21. It honours the day when the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion), to his first five disciples in the Deer Park at Sarnath, India. This sermon is considered the first teaching of the Buddha after his enlightenment, which highlights the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The festival is celebrated with great fervour in Indonesia, Cambodia Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Myanmar and in other countries with Theravada Buddhist populations. In Indonesia, the festival is centered at Mendut Temple and Borobudur Temple, Central Java. In this article, let’s know more about Asalha Puja 2024 date, rituals and significance of the day. Asalha Puja 2024 Wishes and HD Images: Dhamma Day Messages, GIF Greetings, Lord Buddha Quotes and Wallpapers To Celebrate Theravada Buddhist Festival.

Asalha Puja 2024 Date

Asalha Puja 2024 is celebrated on Sunday, July 21.

Asalha Puja Rituals

On the day of Asalha Puja, devotees participate in various activities related to charity, such as giving alms to monks, offering food and other necessities, and making donations to temples and charitable causes. The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and listening to sermons. The following day is known in Thailand as Wan Khao Phansa; it is the first day of Vassa, the Theravada rains retreat. Many Buddhists engage in meditation and chanting sessions to purify their minds and reflect on the Buddha's teachings.

Asalha Puja Significance

Asalha Puja is also significant because it precedes the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent, known as Vassa. During this period, monks traditionally stay in their monasteries to meditate and study the Dhamma. On this day, monks and spiritual teachers give special sermons and talks on the significance of Asalha Puja and the Buddha's teachings.

The day celebrates Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, in which he set out to his five former associates the doctrine that had come to him following his enlightenment. This sermon is the teaching which is encapsulated for Buddhists in the Four Noble Truths: there is suffering (dukkha); suffering is caused by craving (tanha); there is a state (nibbana) beyond suffering and craving; and finally, the way to nirvana is via the Noble Eightfold Path. All the traditions of Buddhism revolve around this central doctrine.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2024 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).