The Buddhist Holy Day of Asaha Bucha (Thai: อาสาฬหบูชา) falls on the 15th night or 15 kham of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar calendar, Asaha (Thai Pali: อาสาฬห) being the name of the eighth month in the Pali language. Last year, this was July 29, this year it is today.

Asaha Bucha is worshiped because of three important events occurring on the day called the "Triple Gem":

1. Firstly, it is commemorating the first sermon given by the Buddha called the "Dhammachakapavattama Sutta" concerning the "Four Noble Truths" presented to the Buddha’s first five disciples. The sermon set in motion the "Wheel of Dhamma", which is the meaning of "Dhammachaka".
2. Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of Buddhism as the Buddha departed the location where he obtained his enlightenment two months earlier and then coming to a forest area in the city of Pharansi where he showed favor to five ascetics who became his followers.
3. Also recognized on the same day is the first person listening to the Buddha’s sermon realizing the truths contained therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk creating the Buddhist order “Sangha” and is known as “Sangha Day” as well as Asaha Bucha.

Links of Interest:

• More Phuket events and holidays in July
  

Kalim Surfing Contest
With the monsoon rolling over Phuket in July, the surf picks up on Phuket beahces on the west coast, Foremost is Kalim Beach, where far-away storms in the Indian Ocean generate waves high enough for an annual surfing contest. Read more here.

Six Sense Phuket Raceweek
Annually, the Phuket Raceweek and their sponsor Six Senses attracts a crowd of yachties from around the world. It is one of the better known events in the region, only second to the Kings Cup Regatta in December. Read more here: www.phuketraceweek.com

Bastille Day
Something for the French visitors of Phuket, or those that want to 'feel French' for a day: some hotels and restaurtants on Phuket organize celebrations for Bastille Day, for example this year there are events at Movenpick and Wine Connection Chalong.

Asaha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day
July 17 and 18 are public holidays, and bars will be closed. Asaha Bucha Day commemorates the day Buddha gave this first sermon after enlightenment to his five disciples. Buddhist Lent Day marks the start of the annual three-month monsoon rains retreat. Read more here.