Guru Purnima

4th July, 2023 History

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

International Buddhist Confederation, on the occasion of Guru Purnima day 2023, organise a programme at the National Museum, Delhi, a place where Sakhyamuni's Holy relic is enshrined.
The IBC will celebrate Ashadha Purnima, an annual flagship event of the IBC, as Chakra Pravartana Divas.

Other Details

President Draupadi Murmu will address the audience through a video message.
His Holiness 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa will deliver a Dhamma talk on the significance of Ashadha Purnima.
A film, India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage, on IBC's special project in Lumbini will be screened.
After Buddha Purnima or the Vaishaka Purnima, this day is most important for Buddhists.
Organization IBC is subordinate to the Ministry of Culture.

Ashadha Purnima

Guru Purnima is also referred as Ashadha Purnima.
As per the Indian lunar calendar it is celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month.
In Sri Lanka it is celebrated as Esala Poya and in Thailand as Asanha Bucha.
On this day, it is believed that after attaining Enlightenment, Gautam Budha gave first teaching to first five ascetic disciples (pancavargiya) at 'Deer Park', in Sarnath, near Varanasi.
This day marks the rainy season, July to October, retreat for Monks and Nuns where they remain in a single place doing intensive meditation.