About Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is observed on Ashadha Purnima, the full moon of the month of Ashadha. It is a day for expressing gratitude to the teachers who guide us, whether a spiritual master, a schoolteacher, a parent or a mentor in one's craft. The word "guru" is often explained as one who removes darkness, and the bright full moon reflects that idea well.
The day is also called Vyasa Purnima, as it is traditionally celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who is credited with arranging the Vedas, composing the Mahabharata and compiling the Puranas. For Buddhists it commemorates the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, and Jain communities honour it as well. In ashrams and gurukuls, disciples perform guru puja, offer flowers and seek blessings, while musicians and dancers pay respect to their teachers. Guru Purnima also marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period of the rainy season when many monks remain in one place for study and reflection.
How it is observed
- Offering respect, flowers or a small gift to one's teachers and mentors
- Performing Vyasa puja or guru puja at home or in an ashram
- Reading scripture or the teachings of one's own tradition
- Spending time in meditation, satsang or quiet study
- Musicians and dancers honouring their gurus through performances
Guru Purnima dates in past and coming years
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sunday, 21 July 2024 | Past |
| 2025 | Thursday, 10 July 2025 | Past |
| 2026 | Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | Past |
| 2027 | Sunday, 18 July 2027 | Next |
| 2028 | Thursday, 6 July 2028 | Upcoming |
| 2029 | Wednesday, 25 July 2029 | Upcoming |
| 2030 | Monday, 15 July 2030 | Upcoming |
Dates are calculated from the Panchang for New Delhi. Some regions may observe a day earlier or later.
Across India
Celebrated across India
The same season is marked in many ways. Where a region keeps the festival on a different day, its calculated date is shown.
Across India
Vyasa Purnima
Disciples honour their gurus and remember Maharishi Vyasa, compiler of the Vedas, with puja, satsang and offerings at ashrams.
Maharashtra (Shirdi)
Guru Purnima
Shirdi and other Sai Baba temples hold a large festival, and devotees across Maharashtra visit their spiritual teachers.
Buddhist communities
Asalha Purnima
Buddhists remember the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, and Sarnath and Bodh Gaya hold special prayers.
Jain communities
Guru Purnima
Jains honour their acharyas and mark the start of Chaturmas, the four-month period when monks stay in one place.
Music and dance schools
Guru Purnima
Students of classical music and dance pay respect to their teachers, often with performances and the tying of a sacred thread.
Buddhist and Jain communities also observe this full moon, each with their own traditions.
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