Drukpa Tsheshi in 2025

When is the Anniversary of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha?

Formally known as Drukpa Tshe Zhi, the Anniversary of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha is a non-working public holiday in the Kingdom of Bhutan on the fourth day of the sixth month in the Bhutanese calendar.

History of the Anniversary of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha

After achieving enlightenment, Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park in Isipatana, India and founded the Buddhist sangha (monkhood) about 2,500 years ago.

In the sermon, which is known as 'Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion', the Buddha first spelt out the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

In His First Sermon, the Buddha said, "I teach one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering,” which is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. The Buddha presented and explained this very doctrine in his major discourses. In this First Sermon at Deer Park, He taught the Four Noble Truths: the existence of suffering, the cause of suffering, that the cause of suffering can end, and the path to the end of suffering.

"Avoiding extremes, the Buddha has realised the Middle Path: It gives vision, it gives knowledge, and it leads to calm, to insight, to enlightenment, to Nirvana. And what is that Middle Path? It is simply the Noble Eightfold Path, namely, right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. This is the Middle Path realised by the Buddha, which gives vision, which gives knowledge, and which leads to calm, to insight, to enlightenment, and to Nirvana."

How is Drukpa Tshe-zi celebrated?

The occasion is celebrated with great pomp and vigour in Sikkim. Monasteries across the state hold religious ceremonies and prayers on this day. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Buddha in monasteries.

People dress up in traditional attires and light butter lamps to pray for the well-being of their loved ones. Yak races are also organised on this day.

A variety of delectable dishes are also cooked on Drukpa Tshe-zi. Muguthang in North Sikkim and the deer park in Gangtok are two places where grand celebrations are held.