Guru Purnima, celebrated on 29 July 2026, honors spiritual and academic teachers across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Observed on the full moon of Ashadha month, it commemorates Ved Vyasa’s birth, Lord Buddha’s first sermon, and Mahavira’s teachings. The day symbolizes gratitude toward one’s guru the remover of ignorance and a renewal of one’s spiritual and moral journey toward wisdom and enlightenment.
🔸Guru Purnima: 29th July 2026, Wednesday / बुधवार
🔸Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:18 PM on Jul 28, 2026
🔸Purnima Tithi Ends: 08:05 PM on Jul 29, 2026
🔸Month: Ashadha or Aashaadha (June/July)
🔸Also Known As: Vyasa Purnima
Every year, Guru Purnima is celebrated on the first full moon (Purnima) of Ashadha (June and July) according to the Hindu calendar. Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to spiritual and academic teachers, known as gurus, it is an auspicious and significant festival, On this sacred occasion, millions across India and beyond honor the guru.
Rooted in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, Guru Purnima celebrates the timeless relationship between teacher and disciple, symbolizing devotion, learning, and spiritual awakening. This ancient festival is about pausing to reflect on who has shaped our path toward truth, purpose, and self-realization.
In the oldest beliefs, it is believed that the day marks the first transmission of the Yogic sciences from Lord Shiva (The Adi yogi or first yogi) to his disciples, the ‘Saptarishi’, which means ‘seven sages’. After receiving their knowledge from the Adi Guru or the first guru the Saptarishis carried his teachings. Every spiritual process on the planet draws from the spine of knowledge created by Adiyogi.
In Hindu tradition, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of Sage Ved Vyasa, the revered sage who authored the Mahabharata and classified the Vedas into four sections. Veda Vyasa is considered one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition, and his contributions to Indian literature and spirituality are unparalleled.
On this day, disciples pay homage to their gurus in honor of Vyasa’s legacy of wisdom and learning. In Hindu tradition, sevak has to worship the feet of the Guru and will take Charanamrit (derived from the root word charan, which means feet, and Amrit means nectar) of Guru’s feet.
Veda Vyasa – The Sage who Compiled the Wealth of Spiritual Literature
Every sevak takes a small quantity of water in a vessel known as ‘panch pat’ and brings it near their guru’s feet, and the guru would then put the toe of his right leg into the water, and thereafter, the sevak would first sprinkle that sacred water on their body and few drops would be swallowed in, in old traditions. Thus, worshiping the guru’s feet, taking the ‘charanamrit’ of other clothes and garments, blankets, etc., and giving some dan (donation with money) are the highlights of this festival.
🕉 “Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha, Guru Sakshat ParaBrahma, Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha.” — Guru Stotram
For Buddhists, Guru Purnima holds special significance in Buddhism as it marks the day when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment. This event, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, is the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching. Buddhists worldwide engage in deep reflection on the occasion of Guru Purnima.
They contemplate the teachings of Buddha, focusing on the four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the core of Buddhist philosophy. Monks and nuns in Buddhist monasteries participate in special teaching sessions where senior monks give discourses on the Dharma. These sessions help lay followers deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings and apply them in their daily lives.
In Jainism, Guru Purnima is known as Treenok Guha Purnima, it is a day to venerate the Tirthankaras and the enlightened teachers who have shown the path to liberation. It is the day that falls at the beginning of Chaturmasya, on this day, Mahavira made Gautam Swami his first disciple. Jains observe the day with prayers, meditation, and acts of charity, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of truth, compassion, and inner purity.
The word “guru” is derived from the Sanskrit roots “gu” meaning darkness and ru “ru” meaning remover. Thus, a guru is someone who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads the disciple towards enlightenment and self-realization. The guru-disciple relationship is deeply revered, often considered even more sacred than the parent-child relationship.
The guru is seen as a mentor, guide, and protector who imparts academic knowledge and moral and spiritual guidance. The relationship between a guru and a disciple navigates the complexities of life, providing wisdom that transcends mere bookish knowledge.
Traditional Guru Purnima rituals are acts of deep reverence. Disciples wash the feet of their guru and collect the Charanamrit sacred water touched by the teacher’s feet symbolizing purity, surrender, and gratitude. In earlier times, disciples offered dan (donations) and seva (service), expressing devotion through humble acts. These practices reflect an eternal truth learning begins with humility and deep respect for the source of knowledge.
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, the essence of Guru Purnima remains as relevant as ever. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and the role of a mentor in one’s life. In a world increasingly driven by material pursuits, Guru Purnima encourages individuals to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of life and the value of spiritual guidance.
Through time the concept of guru has also evolved to encompass not just spiritual and academic teachers but anyone who plays a significant role in guiding and shaping an individual’s life. This can include parents, elders, mentors, and even friends who provide valuable insights and support. The festival reminds us that growth begins when we acknowledge those who help us evolve, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually.
Several modern gurus have emerged, continuing this legacy of imparting spiritual wisdom and guidance. Today, the spirit of the guru continues through modern teachers and thought leaders figures like Swami Vivekananda, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Dalai Lama, and Sadhguru, who adapt ancient truths to modern life. Their teachings on mindfulness, service, and self-awareness reflect the same essence that Guru Purnima celebrates the awakening of higher consciousness.
👉 Swami Vivekananda: A key figure in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, Swami Vivekananda’s teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the potential divinity of each individual. His speeches inspired millions globally, particularly those at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1803.
👉 Dalai Lama: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global advocate for peace and human rights. His teachings emphasize compassion, non-violence, and the importance of inner peace. He has authored numerous books and travels extensively, spreading the message of universal responsibility and kindness.
👉 Acharya Tulsi: A prominent Jain monk, Acharya Tulsi founded the Anuvrat movement, emphasizing ethical living and non-violence. His efforts in promoting moral values and social reform have left a lasting legacy within and beyond the Jain community.
In astrology, Jupiter (Guru or Brihaspati) governs wisdom, ethics, and knowledge. The festival’s timing honors his influence reminding us that true growth is guided by higher learning and moral clarity. People often meditate on Jupiter’s mantra (Om Brihaspataye Namah) to invite positive guidance, prosperity, and intellectual expansion.
🔸Date & Timing: Guru Purnima 2026 falls on Wednesday, 29 July, during the full moon of Ashadha.
🔸Spiritual Significance: Celebrates the guru–disciple relationship, honoring teachers who remove ignorance and guide seekers toward wisdom.
🔸Hindu Tradition: Known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating Sage Ved Vyasa who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata.
🔸Buddhist Tradition: Marks Lord Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, laying the foundation of Dharma.
🔸Jain Tradition: Celebrates Mahavira initiating Gautam Swami, emphasizing ethical living and spiritual guidance.
🔸Modern Relevance: Recognizes mentors, teachers, and guides in personal, academic, and professional life.
🔸Rituals & Practices: Involves Guru Puja, Charanamrit, meditation, acts of seva, and reflection on knowledge and guidance.
Guru Purnima honors spiritual and academic teachers, celebrating the guru’s role in guiding disciples toward wisdom and enlightenment.
Guru Purnima 2026 falls on Wednesday, 29 July, during the full moon of Ashadha month.
It commemorates the birth of Sage Ved Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata, making him one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition.
Buddhists commemorate Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, reflecting on the Four Noble Truths and participating in meditation and teachings.
Devotees perform Guru Puja, take Charanamrit, meditate, and engage in seva (selfless service) to honor their teachers.
No, Guru Purnima is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, each honoring their spiritual teachers and the path to wisdom.
A guru can be anyone who guides or mentors you — including teachers, parents, mentors, or spiritual leaders — inspiring growth and knowledge.
Guru Purnima is an old tradition to celebrate the timeless bond between a guru and a disciple, around the whole of India, among the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Gurus are the one who dispels the darkness through their knowledge of an individual’s life. It is a day to express gratitude, seek blessings, and renew one’s commitment to the path of knowledge and spirituality to their Gurus. Guru Purnima transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing the universal importance of wisdom, guidance, and the transformative power of a true mentor.
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