Asalha Puja (Dharma Day) 2026
Buddhist Full Moon · Ashadha Purnima · 2026
Significance
Marks the Buddha's first teaching — the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta at the Deer Park in Sarnath, establishing the Sangha and setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion.
In the Theravada tradition, the full moon (Uposatha) is one of the most sacred days for lay practitioners and monastics alike. The Pali calendar counts Vesak and Asalha Puja as the two principal full-moon observances of the year, commemorating the core events of the Buddha's life and teaching. Thai, Sri Lankan, Cambodian, Burmese, and Lao Buddhist communities observe these dates with vihara ceremonies, dana offerings, and all-night meditation vigils.
The 29.5-day synodic cycle arises because the Moon must "catch up" with the Sun as Earth advances along its own orbit. On Purnima night, the Moon rises near sunset and sets near sunrise — it is visible above the horizon all night. The IST peak time listed is the astronomically exact moment of 180° solar-lunar elongation as measured from Earth's geometric centre.
How to Celebrate Asalha Puja (Dharma Day)
Commemorate the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Read or listen to the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — the Buddha's opening discourse on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Observe the Five Precepts and, if possible, take the Eight Precepts for a full day of renunciation. Offer robes and requisites to monastics — this marks the eve of Vassa (Rains Retreat), when Theravada monks begin three months of retreat. Light oil lamps and chant the Metta Sutta for world peace.