Theravada Buddhist · Full moon of July, Sunday, July 18, 2027
Asalha Puja
Dharma Day, the full moon on which the Buddha gave his first sermon and set the wheel of the teaching in motion.
Say it like a neighbor
Happy Asalha Puja
Say: ah-SAH-lah POO-jah · “Dharma Day”
Or say: Happy Dharma Day
Asalha Puja is a joyful but reflective day, and “Happy Asalha Puja” or “Happy Dharma Day” is warmly received. In Thailand it is called Asanha Bucha, and in Sri Lanka it is Esala Poya. You do not need to know any Pali to join in.
Jul 18
Tap to follow the full moon of Asalha Puja, the day the Buddha first taught.
When is Asalha Puja? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Main day
Asalha Puja falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month, usually in July, and the date differs by a day between countries and temples. The rains retreat, Vassa, begins on the following day. In 2028 the full moon falls on July 6 or 7. Please confirm with your local temple.
What is Asalha Puja and what does it mean?
Asalha Puja, also called Dharma Day, remembers the Buddha’s first sermon. Seven weeks after his enlightenment, the Buddha taught five former companions in the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Varanasi. The talk is known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or the “Setting in Motion of the Wheel of the Dhamma.”
The sermon explained the Middle Way between indulgence and severe self-denial, and introduced the Four Noble Truths. One of the five, Kondañña, understood the teaching and became the first monk. With the Buddha, the Dhamma and the first member of the Sangha, the Triple Gem was complete.
The day is especially important for Theravada Buddhists in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The next day is the beginning of Vassa, the three-month rains retreat, when monks stay in one place for study and meditation.
How is Asalha Puja observed? Customs and traditions
Merit-making and giving
Many people offer alms and food to monks in the morning, and they take the Five Precepts. Some take the Eight Precepts for the day.
Hearing the Dhamma
Monks chant and give a talk on the first sermon, and lay people listen, chant with them and meditate.
Candlelit procession
In the evening, people walk three times around the main hall of the temple, carrying candles, flowers and incense. In Thailand this circling is called wian tian.
Candles for the rains retreat
In Thailand large carved candles are offered to the temple at the start of Vassa, for the monks’ use during the retreat.
Dressed in white
Many lay people wear white and spend the day at the temple.
No alcohol
The day is observed as an uposatha day, and many people avoid alcohol and entertainment.
Being a good neighbor on Asalha Puja
Tap each one as you go.
Asalha Puja in Houston: how neighbors can take part
The first sermon, the first monk and the start of Vassa
Houston Buddhist Vihara, at 8727 Radio Road, was founded in 1988 and is run by Sri Lankan monks. It is the largest Sri Lankan Buddhist temple in the area and serves the Theravada community.
Wat Buddhavas, at 6007 Spindle Drive, is a Thai and Lao Buddhist temple in the Theravada tradition, founded in 1982. It marks the main Buddhist holy days.
We did not find a posted 2027 Asalha Puja program when we checked, so please contact each temple to confirm times and places.
Asalha Puja events in Houston
Each Houston temple sets its own program. Please contact the temple before you go. Visitors are generally welcome.
Questions neighbors ask about Asalha Puja
When is Asalha Puja 2027?
Asalha Puja falls around July 18 to 19, 2027, on the full moon of July. The Buddhist rains retreat, Vassa, begins the next day.
What is Asalha Puja?
It remembers the Buddha’s first sermon, given to five followers in a deer park. The sermon is also seen as the founding of the Buddhist community.
What do you say on Asalha Puja?
“Happy Asalha Puja” is a friendly greeting. If you visit a temple, dress modestly and take off your shoes.
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