Guru Purnima is being observed today across India to honour teachers, spiritual guides and Sage Ved Vyasa

Guru Purnima, one of India's most revered spiritual festivals, is being celebrated on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with devotees across the country paying tribute to their teachers, mentors and spiritual gurus. Observed on the full moon (Purnima) of the Ashadha month, the festival highlights the importance of knowledge, wisdom and the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition.

The day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the sage credited with compiling the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and organizing the Vedas, earning him the title of Adi Guru.

Guru Purnima 2026: Important Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang (Ujjain, IST):

• Purnima Tithi Begins: July 28, 2026 – 6:19 PM

• Purnima Tithi Ends: July 29, 2026 – 8:05 PM

• Sunrise: 6:00 AM

• Sunset: 7:06 PM

• Moonrise: 7:11 PM

• Moonset: 6:20 AM

Why Guru Purnima is celebrated

Guru Purnima is dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who impart knowledge and guide individuals toward intellectual, moral and spiritual growth. In Indian tradition, a guru is regarded as someone who removes ignorance and leads disciples toward enlightenment.

The festival holds significance across multiple faiths:

• Hinduism: Marks the birth anniversary of Sage Ved Vyasa and celebrates the Guru-Shishya tradition.

• Buddhism: Commemorates Lord Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, where he introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

• Jainism: Observed as the day when Lord Mahavira accepted Gautam Swami as his first disciple, formally establishing the guru-disciple tradition.

Rituals observed on Guru Purnima

Devotees observe the festival through prayers, meditation and acts of reverence towards their teachers and spiritual mentors. Major rituals include:

• Performing Vyasa Puja by offering flowers, fruits and prayers to Sage Ved Vyasa.

• Padapuja, in which disciples symbolically worship the feet or sandals of their guru as a mark of respect.

• Participating in meditation, satsangs and spiritual discourses.

• Seeking blessings from teachers, parents and elders.

• Students of Indian classical music and dance paying tribute to their gurus through special performances.

In Buddhist monasteries, monks observe Uposatha and begin Vassa, the traditional three-month monastic retreat.

Celebrations across India

Guru Purnima is observed with special religious programmes at temples, ashrams and educational institutions across the country.

Sacred cities such as Varanasi and Ujjain witness large gatherings for Vyasa Puja, while spiritual centres in South India organise satsangs, meditation sessions and community feasts. Cultural programmes and devotional music events are also held in several states to honour teachers and spiritual guides.

A festival of gratitude and wisdom

Beyond religious observances, Guru Purnima serves as an occasion to acknowledge the role of teachers in shaping society. The festival reinforces values of discipline, humility and lifelong learning while encouraging devotees to reflect on their personal and spiritual journey.

As millions celebrate Guru Purnima today, the occasion continues to uphold India's centuries-old tradition of honouring knowledge, guidance and the enduring bond between a guru and disciple.