Context:
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, will celebrate Ashadha Purnima on July 3, as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas at the National Museum, New Delhi.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Ashadha Purnima:
- Ashadha Purnima is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Ashadha in the Indian lunar calendar.
- It is also known as Guru Purnima and is observed as a day of reverence to gurus (teachers) by both Buddhists and Hindus.
- The day is significant as it commemorates the first teaching of Gautam Buddha after attaining Enlightenment to his first five ascetic disciples (pancavargiya) at Deer Park, Risipatana Mrigadaya in present-day Sarnath, near Varanasi.
- The teachings imparted on this day hold great importance in the Buddhist tradition.
- In addition to India, Ashadha Purnima is also celebrated as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand.
- Ashadha Purnima also marks the beginning of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks and nuns, known as Vassa or the Buddhist Lent.
- During this three-month retreat, which lasts from July to October, monks and nuns stay in one place, typically their temples, to engage in intensive meditation and study.
-Source: Live Mint
