Sarnath, July 10 -- Under the golden hues of the setting sun and the sacred full moon of Ashadha, Sarnath--the site of the Buddha's first sermon--became a vibrant hub of spiritual reflection and cultural reverence as devotees from across the world gathered at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara.

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Mahabodhi Society of India, hosted a solemn and graceful celebration to mark Ashadha Purnima, a day revered as the Buddha's First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

This sacred day also marks the onset of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic rain retreat--a period of contemplation and study for the Buddhist Sangha, mirroring the inward jou...