28 July - Drukpa Tsheshi festival

 

Drukpa Tsheshi is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Bhutan, commemorating the First Sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath, India. It is observed on the fourth day of the sixth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

• Historical Importance: The festival marks the day when Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths to his initial five disciples. This sermon is considered one of the most important events in the history of Buddhism as it laid the foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
• Cultural Importance: In Bhutan, Drukpa Tsheshi is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the country.

Celebrations

• Religious Activities: Devotees visit monasteries and temples to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Special rituals and chanting sessions are held to honor the teachings of Buddha.
• Monastic Dances: Monks perform traditional dances and rituals in monasteries, which are significant parts of the celebration.
• Public Participation: People often gather in large numbers at sacred sites, such as the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and other prominent temples across Bhutan. They engage in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual activities.
• Offerings: It is common for devotees to make offerings of food, flowers, and incense at temples and monasteries.

Locations of Celebration

• Thimphu: The capital city, where the National Memorial Chorten becomes a focal point for celebrations.
• Other Monasteries: Key monasteries across Bhutan also hold special ceremonies and attract many devotees.

Observance

• Public Holiday: Drukpa Tsheshi is often a public holiday in Bhutan, allowing people to participate in the religious and cultural activities.
• Family Gatherings: Families come together to visit temples and engage in prayer and reflection.

Drukpa Tsheshi is a time for Bhutanese people to reaffirm their commitment to Buddhist teachings and reflect on the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The festival not only honors the historical event of Buddha’s First Sermon but also strengthens the spiritual and cultural fabric of Bhutanese society.