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Guru Purnima
Official nameGuru Purnima
Observed byHindu,Sikhs devotees & Buddhist disciples in United States, Canada, Europe, Tibet, Bhutan, Kenya, India, Nepal and other parts of the world.
TypeInternational, religious, cultural
SignificanceTo express gratitude towards spiritual teachers[1]
CelebrationsWorship of Guru and temple visit[2]
ObservancesGuru Puja
DateAshadha Purnima
2025 date10 July (Thursday)
Frequencyannual
Explanatory note
on Hindu festival dates
The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day).

Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta. If a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa.

A lunar year is shorter than a solar year by about eleven days. As a result, most Hindu festivals occur on different days in successive years on the Gregorian calendar.

Guru Purnima (Sanskrit: गुरुपूर्णिमा, romanized: Gurupūrṇimā) is a religious festival dedicated to offering respect to spiritual and academic gurus.[5] It is celebrated as a festival in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashadha (June–July) according to the Hindu calendar.[6][7][8] It is also known as Vyasa Purnima, because it marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.[5][9]

Etymology

[edit]

The word guru is derived from the Sanskrit root words gu and ru. Gu means "darkness" or "ignorance", and ru means "dispeller."[10][11] Therefore, a guru is the dispeller of darkness or ignorance.[10]

Observances

[edit]

Hinduism

[edit]

The celebration of Guru Purnima is marked by spiritual activities and may include Guru puja, a ritual held in honour of the guru or teacher.In addition to having religious importance, this festival has great importance for Indian academics and scholars. Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.[12] Hindu Gurus are revered on this day by remembering their life and teachings. The festivities are usually followed by a feast for the disciples, shishya, where the prasada and charnamrita (nectar of the feet), the symbolic wash of Guru's feet, which represents his kripa (grace) is distributed.[13] Special recitations of the Hindu scriptures like the Guru Gita are held all day. Apart from the singing of bhajans, hymns and of special kirtan session and havan at many places, where devotees from all over gather at the ashrams, matha or place where the seat of Guru, Guru Gaddi exists.[14] This day also sees the ritual of padapuja, the worships of Guru's sandals, which represent his holy feet and is seen a way of rededicating to all that a Guru stands for.[15] Disciples also recommit themselves on this day, to following their teacher's guidance and teachings, for the coming year.[13][16] In the Vedic Hindu tradition, the day is celebrated in honour of the sage Vyasa, who is seen as one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of the guru-shishya tradition. Their recitations are a dedication to him and are organised on this day, which is also known as Vyasa Purnima.[17] Vyasa Puja is held at various temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour.[18] Hindu ascetics and wandering sanyasis observe this day by offering puja to their guru, during Chaturmasya, a four-month period during the rainy season, when they choose seclusion and stay at one chosen place; some also give discourses to the local public.[19]

Buddhism

[edit]

The festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honour of the Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as the occasion when Shiva became the first guru, as he began the transmission of Yoga to the Saptarishis.[20] Buddhists observe uposatha, i.e., to observe eight precepts on this day. Rainy season vassa also starts on this day, lasting for three lunar months, from July to October. During this time, Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation. During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking.[citation needed]

Nepal

[edit]

In Nepal, Guru Purnima is a big day in schools. This day is teacher's day in Nepal. Students honour their teachers by offering delicacies, garlands, and special hats called topi made with indigenous fabric. Students often organize fanfares in schools to appreciate the hard work done by teachers. This is taken as a great opportunity to consolidate the bond of teacher-student relationships.[21]

A sanyasi performing Vyasa puja traditionally held on Guru Purnima day, as a part of chaturmasya rituals

Significance

[edit]

Hindu

[edit]

This was the day when Vyasa – author of the Mahabharata – was born to sage Parashara and a fisherman's daughter Satyavati; thus, this day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima.[5] Veda Vyasa did yeoman service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times and dividing them into four parts based on their characteristics and use in rites. He then taught them to his four chief disciples – Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific "Vyasa" (vyas = to edit, to divide). He divided the Vedas into four parts, namely, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva.[22]

Buddhism

[edit]

Gautama Buddha went from Bodhgaya to Sarnath about 5 weeks after his enlightenment. Before he attained enlightenment, he gave up his austere penances. His former comrades, the pañcavargika, left him and went to Ṛṣipatana in Sarnath.[23] After attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha left Uruvilvā and travelled to the Ṛṣipatana to join and teach them. He went to them because, using his spiritual powers, he had seen that his five former companions would be able to understand Dharma quickly. While travelling to Sarnath, Gautama Buddha had to cross the Ganges. When King Bimbisara heard of this, he abolished the toll for ascetics.[24] When Gautama Buddha found his five former companions, he taught them the Dharmacakrapravartana Sūtra. They understood and also became enlightened. This marked the establishment of the mendicant Sangha, on the full-moon day of Asadha. The Buddha subsequently spent his first rainy season at Sarnath at the Mulagandhakuti.[25] The bhikshu sangha soon grew to 60 members; then, Buddha sent them out in all directions to travel alone and teach Dharma.

Jainism

[edit]

According to Jain traditions, special veneration is offered to one's gurus and teachers on Guru Purnima.[26] The day falls at the beginning of Chaturmasya. On this day, Mahavira, after attaining kaivalya, made Gautama Swami his first disciple (ganadhara) thus becoming a Guru himself.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Guru Purnima

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Guru Purnima is an annual festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains to honor spiritual, academic, and traditional teachers, referred to as gurus, who guide disciples from ignorance to enlightenment. It occurs on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha, usually falling between June and July in the Gregorian calendar. Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the observance marks the birth anniversary of the ancient sage Ved Vyasa, revered as the compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata, symbolizing the transmission of sacred knowledge across generations. In yogic traditions, it commemorates the moment when Lord Shiva, as the Adi Guru or first guru, imparted cosmic wisdom to the seven sages (Saptarishis) after their 84 years of penance in the Himalayas. The festival underscores the profound guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition in Indian culture, where the guru is seen as a divine guide leading from falsehood to truth, darkness to light, and mortality to immortality. For , it emphasizes reverence for mentors who instill moral values, knowledge, and ethical conduct, often celebrated through rituals like guru puja (worship of the teacher), prayers, and offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets. In Buddhism, Guru Purnima—also called or Day—honors the Buddha's first sermon at after his enlightenment, where he taught the to his five ascetic disciples, marking the founding of the (Buddhist community). Jains and similarly use the day to pay tribute to their spiritual leaders, reflecting shared cultural values of gratitude and learning in the and diaspora communities. Celebrations vary by region and tradition but commonly include meditative sessions, discourses on scriptures, and acts of service to teachers, reinforcing the idea that a society without reverence for gurus cannot progress. In mountainous areas like , indigenous shamans visit their gurus to express thanks, blending the festival with local nature-worshipping customs. Across and , events often feature exhibitions, book releases, and scholarly talks, as seen in national institutions promoting . Guru Purnima thus serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring role of knowledge and mentorship in personal and societal development.

Etymology and Date

Etymology

The term "" is a compound word, Gurupūrṇimā (गुरुपूर्णिमा), combining "" (गुरु), denoting a spiritual teacher or guide, and "" (पूर्णिमा), referring to the day in the . This nomenclature reflects the festival's association with honoring gurus on the of the Hindu month of Āshādha. The word "" originates from roots, traditionally interpreted as deriving from "gu" (गु), symbolizing darkness or , and "ru" (रु), meaning that which dispels or removes, thus signifying one who eradicates and imparts . Linguistically, it traces to the verbal root "gṛ" (गृ), meaning "to sound" or "to praise," with the addition of a as per Uṇādi-sūtra 1.24, evolving to connote weightiness or venerability, as in a figure of profound and wisdom. In , such as the Ṛgveda, "" initially describes something heavy or important, later extending in texts like the Manusmṛti and Bhagavadgītā to mean a revered who guides disciples in spiritual and scriptural matters. "Pūrṇimā," meanwhile, stems from "pūrṇa" (पूर्ण), an adjective meaning full, complete, or entire, combined with the feminine suffix "-imā," specifically denoting the night or day of the when the lunar disc appears wholly illuminated. This term appears in ancient astronomical and calendrical contexts within treatises, marking the fifteenth (lunar day) of the bright half of the month, symbolizing plenitude and auspiciousness in Hindu cosmology. Together, "Gurupūrṇimā" encapsulates the festival's essence as the full moon consecrated to the , a rooted in honoring enlightenment amid cosmic fullness, without implying any direct scriptural coining of but rather its organic development in devotional practices.

Date and Calendar

Guru Purnima is celebrated on the day, known as , in the Hindu lunar month of . This month typically falls between June and July in the , though the exact date varies annually due to the lunisolar nature of the Hindu calendar, which aligns lunar cycles with solar years through intercalary months. For example, in 2022, the full moon in July occurred on July 13, which was Guru Purnima. The festival is also referred to as Vyasa , honoring the sage , and its observance begins at the onset of the Purnima , often extending into the following day if the tithi crosses midnight. In the Buddhist tradition, Guru Purnima aligns with the of the sixth , equivalent to Ashadha Purnima in the Hindu calendar, and is sometimes called Dhammacakka Day to commemorate the Buddha's first . Similarly, in , the festival occurs on the same Ashadha Purnima, serving as a day to venerate spiritual teachers or gurus. Across these traditions, the date remains consistent with the shared lunisolar framework, though regional calendars may introduce minor variations in calculations. The Gregorian dates for recent and upcoming Guru Purnima observances illustrate this variability:
YearDateDay of Week
2024July 21
2025July 10
2026July 29Wednesday
2027July 18
2028July 6
These dates are determined by the precise timing of the full moon as per Vedic astrology.

Historical Origins

Mythological and Scriptural References

In , Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorates the birth of the sage (Krishna Dvaipayana), revered as the compiler of the four —, , , and —and the author of the epic, along with the . According to traditional accounts in texts like the and , was born to the sage and , a fisherwoman, on the full moon day () of the lunar month , symbolizing the illumination of knowledge through his scholarly contributions that preserved Vedic wisdom for posterity. A parallel mythological narrative in yogic traditions associates the day with Lord Shiva as the Adi Guru (first teacher), who, after observing seven seekers for 84 years, transmitted the to them on this auspicious , transforming them into the Saptarishis (seven sages)—Vashistha, , , Gautama, , , and —who then disseminated this knowledge across the world. This origin story underscores the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) parampara, emphasizing enlightenment as the removal of ignorance, though it draws from oral yogic lore rather than direct Vedic verses. In Buddhism, the festival aligns with (or Dhammacakkappavattana Divas), marking the occasion when Siddhartha Gautama, after attaining enlightenment, delivered his first sermon—the (Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion)—at () near , to his five ascetic companions, including . This discourse, preserved in the of the Sutta Pitaka (specifically the Samyutta Nikaya), outlined the and the Eightfold Path, initiating the (community) and the rainy season retreat (), traditionally occurring on . In , Guru Purnima commemorates the initiation of (also known as ) as the first ganadhara (chief disciple) by , the 24th , along with eleven other ganadharas and 500 of Gautama's pupils who renounced worldly life to join the monastic order. This event, which established the formal transmission of Mahavira's teachings on non-violence, truth, and , is detailed in the Kalpasutra, a key text in the Svetambara Agama canon composed by Acharya Bhadrabahu. The initiation occurred on the full moon of , shortly after Mahavira began preaching following his attainment of (omniscience) after 12 years and 6 months of rigorous .

Historical Development

The historical development of Guru Purnima traces its origins primarily to the ancient Buddhist and Jain traditions of the , where it emerged as a significant observance tied to key foundational events in their respective histories, before being incorporated into . In Buddhism, the festival aligns with (or Dhammacakka Day), commemorating Gautama Buddha's delivery of his first discourse, the (Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion), to his five ascetic companions at Sarnath's Deer Park. This event, traditionally dated to the full moon of shortly after the Buddha's enlightenment around the 5th century BCE, marked the formal establishment of the (monastic community) and the beginning of , the three-month rainy season retreat during which monks cease wandering to focus on study and meditation. The sutta, preserved in the Pali Canon's , emphasizes the and the , underscoring the role of the Buddha as the ultimate teacher. Early evidence of this observance appears in Buddhist inscriptions and texts from the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE), such as those linked to Emperor Ashoka's patronage of the faith. In , Guru Purnima honors the initiation of Indrabhuti Gautama (later known as Gautam Swami) as the first Ganadhara (chief disciple) by the 24th , , around the 6th century BCE. This occurred on the full moon, as detailed in the Kalpasutra by Bhadrabahu, a key Jain text compiling the lives of Tirthankaras. The event initiated the transmission of Mahavira's teachings on non-violence, truth, and asceticism, and it signals the start of , the four-month monastic confinement mirroring the rainy season's challenges. Jain scriptures portray Gautam Swami's ordination as a pivotal moment in establishing the guru-disciple lineage, with the festival emphasizing ethical discipline and knowledge dissemination. Hinduism adopted and adapted the festival later, renaming it Vyasa Purnima to commemorate the birth of Sage (also called Veda Vyasa), the legendary compiler of the , author of the , and divider of the into four parts. This association is rooted in Puranic literature, such as the and , which date to the early medieval period (circa 5th–10th centuries CE), though Vyasa's remains tied to mythological narratives rather than archaeological evidence. The observance gained traction through the Vedic gurukul system, where students revered teachers as embodiments of knowledge, and was further popularized during the (14th–17th centuries CE), when saints like and elevated the guru's role in spiritual liberation. By the Gupta period (4th–6th centuries CE), cross-pollination among the three traditions had solidified Guru Purnima as a shared cultural practice, evolving from monastic retreats to broader rituals of reverence for educators and spiritual guides.

Significance

In Hinduism

In Hinduism, Guru Purnima serves as a profound occasion to honor gurus, revered as spiritual guides who dispel and lead disciples toward enlightenment and . The term "guru" derives from roots where "gu" signifies darkness or , and "ru" denotes the remover, emphasizing the guru's role in eliminating spiritual obscurity, particularly the illusion of Maya, to facilitate divine realization. This festival underscores the guru-shishya parampara, the traditional teacher-disciple lineage central to , where gurus impart both temporal knowledge (Apara Vidya) and transcendent wisdom () essential for personal and spiritual growth. The day is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating the birth of Sage Ved , regarded as the Adi Guru or primordial teacher in Hindu tradition. is credited with compiling the four into their current form, authoring the epic —including the philosophical —and composing the 18 , thereby preserving and systematizing Vedic knowledge for posterity. His contributions symbolize the guru's function as a bridge between ancient scriptures and contemporary seekers, making Guru Purnima a tribute to the transmission of across generations. Spiritually, Guru Purnima highlights the indispensable role of the in attaining (liberation), as self-effort alone is deemed insufficient according to key texts like the Shrimad Bhagavatam and . Scriptures such as the equate the guru with divine manifestations—"Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah"—positioning the guru as a direct embodiment of the supreme reality, worthy of unwavering devotion and service. The festival thus fosters humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to ethical living and inner awakening, reinforcing the guru's selfless guidance as a cornerstone of Hindu .

In Buddhism

In Buddhism, Guru Purnima, also known as or Dhamma Day, holds profound significance as it commemorates the Buddha's first after his enlightenment, marking the of the Dharma's dissemination. This event, detailed in the , occurred on the full moon day of the lunar month of Asalha at () near , where the Buddha taught the and the to his five former ascetic companions. The , often described as setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion, addressed the nature of suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path to liberation, thereby establishing the foundational principles of Buddhist doctrine. The day also signifies the formation of the Triple Gem—Buddha (the enlightened teacher), Dhamma (the teachings), and (the community of practitioners)—as it recalls the enlightenment of the first disciple, Kondanna, who attained stream-entry (sotapatti) upon hearing the sermon, and his subsequent as the first Buddhist monk. This moment not only validated the 's realization but also initiated the monastic lineage, emphasizing the 's role in guiding disciples toward awakening by dispelling ignorance and fostering insight. In traditions, prevalent in , the observance underscores gratitude toward spiritual teachers who transmit the , mirroring the 's own function as the ultimate . Furthermore, Guru Purnima heralds the beginning of the , the three-month rainy season retreat during which monastics intensify and study under guidance, reinforcing the teacher-student bond central to Buddhist practice. Across Buddhist schools, the festival promotes reflection on the teacher's capacity to illuminate the path to enlightenment, celebrating the transmission of wisdom that enables practitioners to navigate the cycle of samsara.

In Jainism

In , Guru Purnima holds profound significance as the day Lord , the 24th , appointed Indrabhuti Gautama, known as Gautam Swami, as his first chief disciple or Ganadhara. This marked the formal establishment of the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition within , emphasizing the transmission of spiritual knowledge and the path to liberation through right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Triratna). The festival underscores the reverence for gurus as embodiments of and ethical guidance, reminding Jains of the pivotal role teachers play in fostering non-violence (), truth (), and self-discipline. It also symbolizes the initiation of the monastic order's propagation of Jain doctrines, highlighting themes of and spiritual central to the . Additionally, Guru Purnima signals the commencement of Chaturmas, the four-month rainy season retreat during which Jain monks and nuns halt their wandering to reside in one place, allowing for intensive teaching, study, and while minimizing harm to living beings during monsoons. This period reinforces the festival's importance in promoting sustained and environmental .

Observances and Rituals

Hindu Observances

In , Guru Purnima is observed with rituals that emphasize reverence for spiritual teachers, known as gurus, who are regarded as dispensers of knowledge and guides toward enlightenment. Devotees typically begin the day with early morning baths and to purify body and mind, fostering a sattvic (pure) atmosphere conducive to spiritual practices. The central ritual is Guru Puja, a ceremonial honoring the , often represented by an idol, , or symbolic items like sandals (). This involves offering flowers, fruits, sweets, , and lamps while chanting mantras such as the Guru Mantra or verses from the , which extol the guru's divine role in removing ignorance. Padapuja, the ritual washing and anointing of the guru's feet, symbolizes and surrender, followed by aarti, where a lit lamp is waved to signify the dispelling of darkness by wisdom. Additional observances include satsangs (spiritual gatherings) featuring discourses on the guru's glory, bhajans (devotional songs), and group meditations to deepen the disciple-guru bond. Devotees visit ashrams or temples for blessings, perform havan (fire rituals) with Vedic chants, and engage in seva (selfless service) or charity, such as donating food and books to the needy, reflecting the guru's teachings on . In some traditions, like the , large-scale assemblies at mandirs include collective puja and kirtans honoring lineage gurus. The day also commemorates Sage Vyasa through Vyasa Puja in scholarly circles, involving recitations from the or to honor his compilation of sacred texts. These practices underscore the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), promoting gratitude and ethical living as pathways to (liberation).

Buddhist Observances

In , particularly within traditions, Guru Purnima is observed as , also known as Dhamma Day, which falls on the of the eighth , typically in . This observance commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, the (Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion), delivered to his five ascetic companions at the Deer Park in , , shortly after his enlightenment. The sermon outlined the and the , marking the formal establishment of the Buddhist and the dispensation of the Dhamma. Observances on emphasize reflection on the Buddha's teachings and gratitude for the Dhamma. Devotees participate in special sermons where monks recite or expound upon the , fostering a deeper understanding of the foundational principles of . Lay practitioners often visit temples to make offerings of food, flowers, , and to the monastic community, symbolizing support for the . sessions are common, encouraging personal contemplation of the path to enlightenment. As a key day, involves heightened adherence to the Five Precepts by lay followers, with many engaging in all-day or vegetarian meals to purify the body and mind. In some countries like and , evening candlelit processions around temples represent the illumination of the Dhamma, dispelling ignorance. The day also signals the beginning of , the three-month rainy season retreat for monastics, during which they remain in one location to focus on study and practice. These rituals underscore the guru-disciple relationship, with revered as the ultimate spiritual .

Jain Observances

In , Guru Purnima commemorates the auspicious day when , the 24th , appointed Indrabhuti Gautama, also known as , as his first chief disciple or ganadhara, thereby establishing the formal guru-shishya parampara and the monastic lineage for transmitting spiritual teachings. This event underscores the pivotal of the in guiding seekers toward , non-violence (), truth (), and liberation () from the cycle of birth and death. The observance highlights Mahavira's emphasis on ethical conduct and spiritual discipline as pathways to soul purification. The festival also signifies the commencement of Chaturmas, a four-month period during the season when Jain and nuns (sadhus and sadhvis) halt their wandering (vihar) and reside in a single location to minimize harm to microscopic life forms thriving in the rains, while intensifying spiritual practices and community instruction. During Guru Purnima, Jains pay homage to Tirthankaras as the supreme spiritual guides and reflect on their doctrines through personal study and contemplation. This day encourages devotees to recommit to Jain principles, fostering gratitude toward living gurus and ascetics who embody these ideals. Observances typically involve austere rituals aligned with Jain ethos, including optional fasting (upvas or partial fasts) to cultivate , prolonged (dhyan) on Mahavira's life and teachings, and recitation of sacred texts like the Kalpa Sutra. Devotees perform guru vandana by offering simple tributes such as flowers, fruits, or symbolic items to images of Tirthankaras or present , often in temples or ashrams, while engaging in charitable acts (dana) like distributing food or educational materials to support spiritual learning. Community gatherings feature discourses (pravachan) on the 's role in attaining (), emphasizing devotion and ethical living over elaborate ceremonies. These practices reinforce the day's focus on inner growth and the pursuit of in daily life.

Sikh Observances

In , Guru Purnima is observed to honor the ten and the , regarded as the eternal Guru. Devotees gather at Gurdwaras for prayers, (devotional singing), and discourses on the Gurus' teachings, emphasizing guidance toward truth, equality, and righteous living. Acts of seva (selfless service) and reflection on the Guru's role in spiritual enlightenment are common, aligning with the festival's theme of gratitude toward teachers.

Regional Variations

Guru Purnima observances exhibit notable diversity across , reflecting local cultural, religious, and regional influences while maintaining the core theme of honoring teachers and spiritual guides. In , celebrations vary by state, blending Hindu traditions with community-specific rituals. For instance, in , particularly , devotees perform holy dips in the River, followed by prayers at temples, spiritual lectures, and gatherings along the ghats. In , the focus includes aartis, devotional hymns, and acts of charity such as distributing food and clothes at temples. Gujarat sees gatherings at ashrams for bhajans, prayers, and discussions on spiritual teachings. Further south, emphasizes Guru Purnima Vratham, involving fasting, elaborate prayers, and performances of traditional music and dance to pay homage to gurus. In , known locally as Vyasapuja, the day honors sage through Vedic chants, scholarly discourses, and temple rituals. observes it with prayers, religious discourses, and cultural programs at ashrams. celebrates it as Vyasa Purnima, featuring temple prayers and expressions of gratitude toward educators and spiritual mentors. In , it is recognized as a regional holiday, underscoring its importance in honoring teachers and leaders. In , Guru , also called Ashad Shukla Purnima, is widely observed as Teachers' Day in schools and communities, dedicated to expressing to educators for their role in personal and academic development. Students and institutions across the country participate in ceremonies honoring mentors, often commemorating the birth of sage Ved Vyasa, compiler of the and author of key . This observance highlights the guru's role in dispelling ignorance, with "gu" signifying darkness and "ru" denoting light or knowledge. The festival retains its religious roots but extends to secular appreciation in schools and communities. Bhutan, with its strong Buddhist heritage, celebrates Guru Purnima in alignment with traditions honoring spiritual teachers, including homage to figures like Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the legendary introducer of to the region. Observances typically involve prayers and rituals at monasteries, emphasizing the festival's pan-South Asian significance among , Buddhists, and Jains.

References

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  27. https://tricycle.org/article/once-teacher-always-student/
  28. https://en.dhammakaya.net/our-activities/asalha-puja-day/
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  44. https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/guru-purnima-2025-july-10-date-significance-and-timings-8849672
  45. https://www.mypoojabox.in/blogs/articles/guru-purnima-and-its-spiritual-significance-in-hinduism-buddhism-and-jainism
  46. https://www.mpanchang.com/festivals/guru-purnima/
  47. https://zeenews.india.com/culture/from-varanasi-to-kerala-diverse-celebrations-of-guru-purnima-across-india-2929933.html
  48. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/bank-holidays/andhra-pradesh/july
  49. https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/gurupurnima-being-celebrated-across-the-country-today
  50. https://www.unesco-ichcap.org/board.es?mid=a10501020000&bid=A112&act=view&list_no=13946&nPage=33
  51. https://jesicasen.com/blog.php?blog=guru-purnima-celebrations-around-the-world
  52. https://iskcondwarka.org/blogs/why-do-we-celebrate-guru-purnima/
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