Guru Purnima is a festival celebrated in India to honour and pay respect to teachers and mentors. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike, and is an opportunity to express gratitude for the knowledge and guidance passed down from our teachers. The day is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashada, which usually falls in the month of July. Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, as it is believed that it was on this day that the great sage Vyasa began to write the epic Mahabharata.
History of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima has been celebrated in India for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to ancient Vedic texts. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, the great sage Vyasa was born. Vyasa was the author of the Mahabharata, one of the most important and influential Hindu scriptures. It is said that Vyasa was born to the sage Parasara and the Apsara Satyavati, and was the son of Lord Brahma.
It is believed that on this day, Vyasa began to write the Mahabharata, which is why it is also known as Vyasa Purnima. The day is also associated with Lord Shiva, who is said to have initiated the first Guru-disciple relationship on this day. He is said to have imparted knowledge to his disciples, the Saptarishis (seven sages).
When to Celebrate Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashada, which usually falls in the month of July. In 2024 , Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 21st.
Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is an important day in Hindu culture, as it is a day to honour and pay respect to teachers and mentors. It is a day to express gratitude for the knowledge and guidance passed down from our teachers, and to thank them for their hard work and dedication. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of our teachers and to learn from them.
Guru Purnima is also an important day for Buddhists, as it is believed that on this day, the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. It is also believed that on this day, the great sage Vyasa began to write the Mahabharata.
How to Celebrate Guru Purnima
On the day of Guru Purnima, people visit temples and offer prayers to their teachers and mentors. People also exchange gifts, such as books, flowers, and sweets, as a sign of respect and gratitude.
People also observe a fast on this day and perform special rituals such as puja and havan. This is done to honour the great teachers and sages who have imparted knowledge and wisdom to us.
Summary
Guru Purnima is a festival celebrated in India to honour and pay respect to teachers and mentors. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike, and is an opportunity to express gratitude for the knowledge and guidance passed down from our teachers. The day is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashada, which usually falls in the month of July. On this day, people visit temples and offer prayers to their teachers and mentors, exchange gifts, and observe a fast. Guru Purnima is an important day in Hindu culture, as it is a day to honor and pay respect to teachers and mentors.
You can explore other festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa.