Asadha Poornima celebrated as Dharma Chakra Day by International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at multiple locations in several countries.

On July 4, 2020 the full moon day of Asadha Poornima (Esala Poya/Asanha Bucha), the sacred day of Buddha’s turning of wheel of Dhamma, was celebrated as Dharma Chakra Day by International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at multiple locations in several countries.

Like everything else the Covid-19 pandemic affected the observance of this very sacred day too. The traditional mass celebrations and fervor had to be restricted. With the virtual Dharma Chakra Day, IBC endeavored to let Dharma followers join the ceremonies at the most sacred sites of Buddha Dharma. The essence of Buddha Vacana also flowed through the blessed messages by Supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas of various countries and Eminent Masters including HH the Dalai Lama and Scholars from around the world. Chanting of Dhammacakkap-pavattana sutta by sangha in various countries were also streamed for the meritorious benefits of Dharma followers worldwide.

The celebrations from multiple locations was live streamed from Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath,
India, the sacred site of Buddha’s first Varsha Vassa (Rain Retreat) in the vicinity of Dhammek
Stupa where on this sacred day Buddha, after his Enlightened Awakening in Bodhgaya gave the
teaching of Dharma Chakra Parvattana Sutra to his first five disciples and set the wheel of Dharma in motion. The teaching of Four Noble Truth and the Noble Eightfold Path is the guiding light of
humanity. By following the paradigm of four noble truth and practicing of the eightfold noble path,
the challenges and suffering of today’s world can be reduced and sustainable development,
harmony and peace can be achieved.

IBC will celebrate Asadha Poornima – Dharma Chakra Day annually as its flagship event in
association with its member organizations in 36 countries. The commemoration of Asadha Poornima – Dharma Chakra Day began with chanting of Dharma Chakra Parvattana Sutra by Theravada and Mahayana Sangha from the Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple, Sarnath which was live-streamed for the global audience.

The formal inauguration of Dharma Chakra Day was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential
Palace) in New Delhi. Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated it and also gave
the keynote address. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, also addressed the event via
video. The Minister of Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Singh Patel, Minister of State for Minority
Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Member Parliament and President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations
(ICCR), Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, also addressed. Ambassador Mongolia in India Mr. Gonching
Ganbold read the message by H.E Mr Khaltmaagiin Battulga, President of Mongolia. Video address
by HRH Princess Norodom Arunrasmy was also streamed. The Theravada and Mahayana Sangha
from Dhamma Deepa Vihara, Tripura, India, Gandan Tegchenling monastery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
and Buddhist Association of ROC Taiwan was also streamed.