A day of gratitude honouring one's spiritual and academic teachers, observed on the full moon of Ashadha.
Guru Purnima traces back to the birth anniversary of the sage Ved Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas, revered as the adi-guru (first guru) in the Hindu tradition. The day has been observed for centuries across ashrams, gurukuls and monastic orders as a formal occasion to honour teachers.
The festival recognises the central role of the guru — spiritual, academic or otherwise — in a student's growth. It is considered auspicious for beginning new studies, seeking blessings from teachers, and renewing spiritual commitments.
According to tradition, Ved Vyasa was born on this day, and it also marks the day Lord Shiva is said to have begun transmitting yogic knowledge to the Saptarishi (seven sages), making him the Adi Guru in some yogic lineages.
In some regions, particularly in Maharashtra, it is combined with a pilgrimage tradition (Wari) to Pandharpur. In yogic and monastic communities, it is treated as the most significant day of the year to honour one's guru lineage.
Devotees visit their teachers or gurus to offer respects, flowers and gifts. Many ashrams hold special satsangs, discourses and pujas. Students often pause academic work for the day to reflect and express gratitude.
A simple puja typically involves offering flowers, fruit and a lit lamp to an image or photograph of one's guru or guru lineage, followed by chanting and a period of quiet reflection or study.
Simple, sattvic decorations — flowers (especially marigold and lotus), rangoli at the entrance, and a clean, lit space for the guru's photograph or seat (vyasa-asana).
Sattvic vegetarian offerings are common — fruit, kheer (rice pudding) and simple home-cooked meals shared among students and teachers.
Yes — many people use the day to express gratitude to any teacher, mentor or source of guidance in their life, even without a formal spiritual guru.
Falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, typically in July.
