As human beings, we all carry a set of values and beliefs that guide our actions and decisions.
At the core of this personal compass are our mentors - the gurus - who shape our understanding of what is right and help us pursue a higher purpose. Guru Purnima, a deeply spiritual and revered festival in India, is an occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude to these guiding figures in our lives.
Whether in the form of teachers, parents, or spiritual leaders, gurus play a pivotal role in shaping character and imparting wisdom. On this special day, disciples honour their gurus for illuminating their path with knowledge and integrity.
When is Guru Purnima 2024?
This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 10.
The day coincides with the Purnima (full moon) of the Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar and is also known as Vyasa Purnima — commemorating the birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa, the sage who authored and is also a central character in the Mahabharata.
Significance across traditions
In Hinduism, the festival holds immense spiritual value. Devotees rise early, perform rituals, and offer puja to the Maha Guru, expressing their reverence through flowers, gifts, prasad, and charanamrita (holy water). Recitations of the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts are common, reinforcing the timeless teachings of the spiritual masters.
Ashrams dedicated to Veda Vyasa observe sandalwood pujas and devotional gatherings, keeping alive the teachings of one of the greatest sages in Indian history.
In Buddhism, Guru Purnima is equally significant. It marks the day when Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, thus laying the foundation of the Sangha, or the community of disciples. For Buddhists, this day is a reminder of the transformative power of guidance and learning.
A day of reflection and gratitude:
Guru Purnima is more than a religious observance; it is a time for reflection, humility, and thankfulness. In a world increasingly driven by materialism and haste, this day urges us to pause and remember those who selflessly contributed to our growth — both intellectually and spiritually.
