Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day) · Asalha Puja

Culture of origin: Buddhist · Cultural

Holiday sources: Buddhism

Asalha Puja remembers the Buddha's first sermon, in the Deer Park at Sarnath, to his five former companions: the teaching that holds the core of his later teaching, the Four Noble Truths. When one of the five asked to become his disciple, the first order of monks began. Buddhists make offerings at temples and listen to sermons; in Sri Lanka the month is also that of the Kandy Esala Perahera. The next day the three-month rains retreat (Vassa) begins.