Guru Purnima गुरु पूर्णिमा
Falls on Ashadha Purnima · usually July
Guru Purnima is celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, usually in July. It is a day of gratitude to the teacher who dispels darkness (gu) with light (ru). Disciples renew their commitment to learning and offer respect to their guru.
Guru Purnima at a glance
| Falls on | Ashadha Purnima |
| Usual month | July |
| Category | Festival |
The story behind Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima honours all gurus and teachers, and especially sage Vyasa — compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata — who was born on this full-moon day; it is also called Vyasa Purnima.
Significance of Guru Purnima
It is a day of gratitude to the teacher who dispels darkness (gu) with light (ru). Disciples renew their commitment to learning and offer respect to their guru.
How Guru Purnima is celebrated
- Paying respects and offering dakshina to one’s guru
- Reciting the Guru Stotra and Vyasa’s works
- Beginning study or spiritual practice (many sadhaks start Chaturmas discipline)
- Charity and service
Regional variations
Widely observed by Hindus, Buddhists (marking the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath) and Jains across India and Nepal.
Festive foods of Guru Purnima
Traditional dishes prepared for Guru Purnima include simple sattvik food, kheer and fruit.
Quick tips
- Honour a teacher or mentor in your life
- A good day to begin study or a spiritual practice
Choosing the muhurat on Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima falls on Ashadha Purnima. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Guru Purnima celebrated?
Guru Purnima falls on Ashadha Purnima in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in July. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Guru Purnima celebrated?
Guru Purnima honours all gurus and teachers, and especially sage Vyasa — compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata — who was born on this full-moon day; it is also called Vyasa Purnima.
How is Guru Purnima observed?
Common observances include Paying respects and offering dakshina to one’s guru; Reciting the Guru Stotra and Vyasa’s works; Beginning study or spiritual practice (many sadhaks start Chaturmas discipline); Charity and service.
How is Guru Purnima celebrated in different regions?
Widely observed by Hindus, Buddhists (marking the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath) and Jains across India and Nepal.
What foods are made for Guru Purnima?
Traditional dishes include simple sattvik food, kheer and fruit.