Choekhor Duchen, also known as Chokhor Duchen, is a significant festival in Buddhism that commemorates the first teaching given by Buddha. This event, known as the “First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” marks the day when Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths at Sarnath, near Varanasi in India.

This day is considered one of the four major holy days dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha each year. In Buddhism, while refuge is taken in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, the Dharma — the teachings — is considered the most important. The true refuge lies in Buddha’s teachings and the conduct and practices he taught.

On Choekhor Duchen, Buddhists celebrate by engaging in extra practices and dedications for the benefit of all beings. This can include reciting sutras, making offerings to the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic order), practicing bodhichitta (the mind of awakening), and giving charity. The merit of all practices on this day is believed to be multiplied at least 100,000 times.

So, Choekhor Duchen is not just a celebration of Buddha’s first teaching, but also a day of increased spiritual practice and merit-making. It’s a day when Buddhists focus on giving and benefiting others, which in turn is believed to increase their own happiness