Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month Ashadha (June–July).
It honors the spiritual and academic teachers or “gurus” who guide us in life.
The day marks the birth anniversary of sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata.
Buddhists also observe it as the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Traditionally, disciples offer respect, gifts, and prayers to their gurus on this day.
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Guru Purnima is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to honoring teachers, spiritual guides, and mentors. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July), it is a day to express gratitude towards gurus who impart knowledge, wisdom, and life values. The word “Guru” is derived from Sanskrit where “Gu” means darkness and “Ru” means remover—thus, a Guru is one who dispels darkness with the light of knowledge.
This festival has deep spiritual significance. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva became the first Guru (Adi Guru) and imparted the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis. It is also associated with the birth anniversary of Maharishi Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas, hence also called Vyasa Purnima.
On this day, disciples perform Guru Puja, offer flowers, and seek blessings. Spiritual discourses, meditation sessions, and ceremonies are conducted in ashrams and temples across India. Students express reverence to their academic and life mentors. In the modern context, it is also a day to appreciate anyone who has played the role of a guide or teacher in one’s life. Guru Purnima is a celebration of the timeless teacher-student bond.
