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Festivals

Guru Purnima: History, Significance, Celebration & Culture

Gurus or teachers are a house full of enlightenment and gratefulness. From showing the paths to a bright future, to contributing in what we are today, they have always been a very significant part of our lives. Bowing to them today, bowing to their dedication and solemnity today on this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, we pay gratitude to all the Gurus in our life.

Talking about Indian Traditions, one must know that Gurus in our cultures are akin to gods. So let us know what exactly is Guru Purnima and why and how do we celebrate it.

About Guru Purnima

  • Guru Purnima also known as Vyas Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadh month.
  • The Purnima tithi this year starts at 10:45 am on July 23 and ends at 08:08 pm on July 24.
  • It is also named as Vyas Purnima , after the name of famous hindu teacher and scholar Ved Vyas. According to the mythology, this day commemorates as his birthday.
  • The word GURU originates from Sanskrit which literally means ‘the one who frees us of ignorance.
guru shishya
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History of Guru Purnima

  • Legends say that Ved Vyas structured the four Vedas, composed the epic of the Mahabharata, created the foundation for the many Puranas and the day of Guru Purnima is to honor him.
  • Some also say that Guru Purnima represents the date on which Lord Shiva as the Adi Guru taught the seven rishis who were the seers of the Vedas.
  • In some parts, Buddhists celebrate this day as Buddha Purnima too as it is believed that Lord Buddha was said to have delivered his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, reflecting the power of this sacred time.

How to celebrate Guru Purnima

  • On this day people worship the gods who are our ultimate teachers in life.
  • It has also been seen that people associate importance of Vishnu pooja with Guru Purnima.
  • The thousand names of Lord Vishnu also known as Vishnu Sahatranam should be recited on this day.
  • The day is celebrated with full vigor and auspiciousness of thanking the lords and the Gurus.

Fasting and food traditions on Guru Purnima

  • Many people fast on this occasion. They refrain from eating salt, rice, heavy foods such as non-vegetarian dishes and other meals made of cereals.
  • They only eat yogurt and fruit mostly.
  • People break their fast after performing puja and other rituals in the evening.
  • In most houses a feast of delicious Indian delicacies like poori, choley, halwa and other exuberant sweets are prepared and enjoyed.
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Significance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is being celebrated since ancient times as to feel grateful to have a guru, A teacher in one’s life. We celebrate this day in the remembrance of the efforts of all those who work on us to make us a better human being , to whom we can always look up to, to those who teach us not just to jump the obstacle but to face and overcome it. The significance of a Guru is more than words.

We say here in our culture that a teacher is equivalent to god and after mother and father he/she is the most important person. I feel that’s nowhere wrong. Our teachers, gurus are the people who teach us to face the real life without being biased. They lead us to great ways and we can never be thankful enough. Here’s wishing our guides, our mentors a very happy Guru Purnima.