Buddha's First Sermon, also known as Dharma Day or Chökhor Düchen, is one of the four major Buddhist festivals commemorating significant events in the life of Buddha. While there isn't a specific event tied to Bhutan regarding Buddha's first sermon, the day is observed by Buddhists in Bhutan with great reverence as it celebrates the first teaching given by Gautama Buddha after his enlightenment. This event took place at Sarnath, India, where he taught the Four Noble Truths to his first five disciples.

Date: Chökhor Düchen is celebrated on the fourth day of the sixth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar.

History: The historical significance of this day lies in its marking of Buddha's dissemination of his enlightenment experience. This sermon laid down the principal framework for Buddhism – a path leading to the cessation of suffering and cycle of rebirth known as samsara.

Traditions: In Bhutan, as with other Buddhist countries, this day is a public holiday marked by various religious activities:

• Prayer and Meditation: Devotees engage in prayers and meditation sessions within monasteries and temples.
• Teachings: Monks deliver teachings on Dharma to remind devotees of Buddha’s insights.
• Acts of Merit: People participate in meritorious deeds such as giving alms to monks, helping the needy, and releasing animals to generate good karma.
• Pilgrimages: Some may embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites.
• Ceremonies: Religious ceremonies are held that might include hoisting prayer flags, reciting mantras, and performing rituals.

This day serves both as a reminder of Buddha's teachings and an opportunity for Buddhists to recommit themselves to following the path toward enlightenment.