Guru Purnima, one of the most revered festivals in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, across India. The festival is dedicated to expressing gratitude and respect to spiritual gurus, teachers and mentors who guide individuals on the path of knowledge and wisdom.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima Tithi will begin at 6:18 PM on July 28 and conclude on July 29 (timing as per the Hindu calendar). Since Hindu festivals are generally observed based on the Udaya Tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), most Guru Purnima rituals, Guru Puja and religious ceremonies will be performed on July 29, 2026.

Importance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is celebrated to honour the eternal bond between a guru and disciple. The day is associated with Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the revered sage credited with compiling the Vedas, authoring the Mahabharata and composing several ancient scriptures. For this reason, the occasion is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

The festival holds significance not only in Hinduism but also in Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, it marks the day when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment.

Auspicious Timings

As per the Hindu calendar:

• Purnima Tithi Begins: 6:18 PM on July 28, 2026

• Festival Date (Udaya Tithi): July 29, 2026

Devotees are advised to perform Guru Puja, Satyanarayan Katha, charity and other religious rituals during the auspicious hours on July 29.

Guru Purnima Puja Vidhi

On the occasion of Guru Purnima, devotees traditionally begin the day with a holy bath and wear clean or traditional attire. The place of worship is cleaned and decorated before offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, Maharishi Ved Vyasa and one's spiritual guru.

Flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, lamps and sacred offerings are presented during the puja. Many devotees also seek blessings from their teachers and elders, offer gifts or donations, and recite religious texts or bhajans. Acts of charity, food donation and service are considered especially auspicious on this day.

A Festival of Gratitude

Beyond religious observance, Guru Purnima is a celebration of knowledge, discipline and lifelong learning. Educational institutions, spiritual organisations and ashrams across the country organise special programmes, discourses and felicitation ceremonies to honour teachers and spiritual guides.

The festival serves as a reminder of the invaluable role that gurus and mentors play in shaping character, imparting wisdom and inspiring future generations.