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Guru Purnima 2024, July 21, is a traditional Hindu and Buddhist festival dedicated to honouring teachers and spiritual guides. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), it acknowledges the role of gurus (teachers) in imparting wisdom and guidance. The day commemorates the birth of Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, and is a time for disciples to express their gratitude through prayers, rituals, and offerings.
Guru Purnima in 2024 will be observed on Sunday, July 21. This day does not typically have a specific annual theme like some other observances. Instead, the festival revolves around the overarching themes of gratitude, reverence, and appreciation towards spiritual teachers, mentors, and guides. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and the guidance gurus provide in spiritual and personal growth.
The celebration encourages disciples and devotees to reflect on the teachings imparted by their gurus and to express heartfelt gratitude through various rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion.
Guru Purnima has its origin deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions and has significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The word “Guru” in Sanskrit refers to a spiritual teacher or guide, and “Purnima” means the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival is believed to have started as an occasion to pay homage to the great sage Vyasa, who is considered one of the greatest gurus and sages in ancient Hindu scriptures and Mythology like the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
Over time, Guru Purnima has evolved into a broader celebration honouring all teachers, spiritual leaders, and mentors who have selflessly shared knowledge and wisdom with others. It is observed with prayers, offerings, and ceremonies expressing gratitude and respect towards gurus and their teachings.
Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), holds profound significance in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions as a day dedicated to honouring spiritual teachers, mentors, and guides. It is a time for disciples and devotees to express deep gratitude and reverence towards gurus who have illuminated their paths with spiritual wisdom and guidance.
The festival emphasizes the transformative role of gurus in shaping individual lives and fostering spiritual growth. Participants engage in rituals, prayers, and offerings to pay homage to their gurus, reflecting on the invaluable teachings that have enriched their understanding of life and spirituality.
Guru Purnima is celebrated with deep reverence and spiritual fervour across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities, marking a time to honour the profound role of gurus in spiritual and personal growth.
This includes visiting temples and ashrams to offer prayers and perform puja ceremonies dedicated to gurus. Spiritual discourses and satsangs are held where gurus impart teachings and insights on spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. Many followers observe fasting and spend the day in meditation, seeking spiritual purification and guidance. Acts of charity and service are also common.
1. The Guru is the ocean, filling everything to the brim with the waters of knowledge. – Rig Veda
2. Guru and God both appear before me. To whom should I prostrate? I bow before Guru, who introduced God to me. – Kabir
3. A guru is someone who has attained liberation. He is beyond the duality of the world. The grace of the guru is like a boat to cross the ocean of samsara. – Adi Shankaracharya
4. On the full moon day of Ashadha, the sage Vyasa was born to Parashara and Satyavati. He divided the Vedas into four parts. – Guru Gita
