Dharma Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Gowri Rao
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Dharma Day is also known as Asalha Puja

Where is Dharma Day celebrated?

It is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world.

Who is Dharma Day celebrated by?

This day is celebrated as the turning of the wheel of Dharma in Buddhist traditions, and it is marked by Buddhists around the world.

When did Dharma Day first start?

This information remains unknown to us.

Who started Dharma Day?

This information remains unknown as well. 

History And Timeline

The Buddha was a historical figure who lived when the Indian subcontinent was booming with different religious and philosophical ideas.

Accepted Date Of Buddha's Birth

The Buddha was born as Siddhartha, a wealthy prince at the Ganasangha of Kapilavastu in modern-day Nepal.

circa 563 BC

Buddhist Council Codified Teachings

The teachings of the Buddha were assembled and codified in the First Buddhist Council. It took place at Rajgir, in the modern-day Bihar state of India.

circa 400 BC

Buddhism Splits Into Schools

Buddhism is divided into two schools the Mahayana school and the Hinayana school at the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali (Bihar state).

383 BC

Buddhist Architecture Flourished At Ajanta

The Buddhist chaityas or cave shrines were built at Ajanta in modern-day Maharashtra state in India.

circa 200 BC - circa 600 AD

High Period Of Buddhism

Under the Kushana rulers, Buddhist art and architecture flourished in the region extending from Central Asia to the banks of the Ganges River in India.

circa 75 AD - circa 450 AD

Traditions And Customs

Buddhists spend this day meditating and contemplating Buddha's teachings at monasteries and shrines. It is customary for the practitioners of Buddhism to renew their faith on this auspicious day by indulging in day-long prayers and chants.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Dharma Day

You can pick up a book on Buddhism and read about this world religion. You can also go to a Buddhist monastery and participate in the celebrations. Donating towards the welfare of Buddhist monks and nuns is also a great way to observe this day.

Facts And Stats

  • Buddhism is deemed as the fourth largest world religion. Why not learn more about this religion on this auspicious day?
  • This day is celebrated, especially in the southeastern part of Asia.
  • The day following Dharma Day is known as Wan Khao Phansa in Thailand.

What does Dharma Day celebrate?

Dharma Day celebrates the Buddha's first teaching on the full moon day of the month of Asadha, as per the lunar calendar.

How long does Dharma Day last?

This day lasts for a single day.

What are some reasons for celebrating Dharma Day?

Dharma Day or Asalha Puja is one of the most important Buddhist holy days. The Buddha gave his first sermon at a deer park near Benares on this day. In his first sermon, the Buddha spoke of the four noble truths that Buddhists should be aware of and elaborated on the eightfold path that the ascetic life demands.

How do families celebrate Dharma Day?

Families celebrate this day by attending prayer meets and listening to Buddhist temples and monasteries' sermons.

What are the religious aspects of Dharma Day?

Dharma Day coincides with the first turning of the wheel of Dharma, which according to Buddhist traditions, is the actual establishment of Buddhism.

What does Buddha say about Dharma Day?

Dharma forms the basis of the Buddha's teachings. The path of Dharma consists of the eightfold path that the Buddha proclaimed as the only way through which human beings could overcome suffering.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, June 13, 2020
  • Tuesday, July 13, 2021
  • Wednesday, July 13, 2022
  • Thursday, July 13, 2023
  • Saturday, July 13, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Gowri Rao

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

Gowri Rao picture

Gowri RaoBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Krea University, Gowri is a highly skilled data analyst and an expert in regression and causation modeling. Her interests in economic trends, finance, and investment research complement her professional expertise. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gowri enjoys swimming, running, and playing the drums, and she is also a talented tutor.

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