Dharma Day in Chiang Mai: My First Asahna Bucha Experience & Temples Tour

Today on Baba Chi Chi’s Big Adventure I experienced Dharma Day, known in Thailand as Asahna Bucha Day (also called Asalha Puja), in beautiful Chiang Mai. This sacred public holiday happens on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (usually July) and commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon. 

I was guided through the day by my neighbor who helped me understand the rituals, traditions, and meaning. We visited three different temples, spoke with monks, joined offerings, saw the candlelight procession, and witnessed first-hand how modern Thai Buddhists celebrate this ancient event.

You’ll learn:
• What Asahna Bucha Day is, its origin (including the Buddha’s first sermon, the Four Noble Truths, and founding of the Sangha) 
• What people do during the day — how temples are prepared, offerings, incense, lotus flowers, the wian tian ceremony (walking around the temple with candles and incense) in the evening. 
• What it is like interacting with monks, hearing sermons, seeing their daily life during a holy day, feeling the community energy and peace
• How the holy day feels emotionally and spiritually as a visitor: respect, humility, wonder

This video is part travel, part spiritual journey, part cultural education. Whether you’re curious about Buddhism, travel in Thailand, or just want to see something beautiful and sacred, this is for you.

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