Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, falls on Thursday, July 10, 2025. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Ashadha month, marking the sacred occasion dedicated to venerating all gurus—spiritual mentors, teachers, and guides—across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. This revered day holds deep astronomical, historical, and emotional significance .

In Hinduism, Guru Purnima commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, celebrated as the Adi Guru, who organized the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata. His monumental contribution to Hindu scripture laid the foundation for guru‑shishya (teacher‑disciple) tradition . For Buddhists, this day marks Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath post-enlightenment, while for Jains it celebrates Lord Mahavira initiating Gautam Swami, fostering the Jain monastic order .

Purnima tithi commences at 1:36 AM on July 10 and ends at 2:06 AM on July 11 (IST); moonrise occurs on the evening of July 11 at 7:19 PM .

The day begins with early rising during brahma muhurta, followed by bathing, offerings to the sun, and prayers to deities like Ganesha . Devotees honor their guru through Paduka puja, guru puja, chanting mantras, and reading sacred texts such as the Guru Gita, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. Gifts, dakshina, fruits, sweets, and yellow items like clothes or jaggery are offered to gurus or Brahmins . Fasting, charity, meditation, and scriptural study are common, while gatherings, satsangs, and spiritual discourses take place in temples and ashrams .

The word “guru” means “dispeller of darkness,” and Guru Purnima serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role teachers play in guiding seekers from ignorance to enlightenment . It’s a cultural resurgence of gratitude, humility, and renewed devotion to one’s spiritual path, often signifying transformative personal commitment . Astrologically, the day underlines Jupiter’s (Guru) influence as the planet of wisdom, surpassing Mercury’s intellectual domain .

Guru Purnima transcends individual devotion to reflect a communal celebration of knowledge and culture. It reaffirms the guru-disciple lineage’s vitality: educationally, spiritually, and morally. In regions like Nepal, it also doubles as Teachers’ Day in schools—students present garlands, hats, and tokens of respect to their educators .

Traditional advice for this day encourages focusing on gratitude, respect, and spiritual elevation. It recommends avoiding criticism, negativity, laziness, and disrespect towards teachers. Intentional reflection, silence, mindfulness, and charitable deeds align the spirit with the guru’s guidance.

On July 10, 2025, as the full moon bathes the earth, millions will pause to honor the silent light of their gurus—be it parents, academic mentors, spiritual guides, or internal revelations. Through ceremonial devotion, selfless actions, and heartfelt acknowledgment, Guru Purnima reignites the sacred bond between teacher and student, illuminating the timeless path from darkness to light.