Guru Purnima, one of India's most revered spiritual festivals, will be observed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, marking the Ashadha Purnima in the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival is dedicated to expressing gratitude to teachers, spiritual mentors, and guides who illuminate the path of knowledge and wisdom.

The occasion holds religious significance across Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, with each tradition commemorating a different historical and spiritual milestone. Devotees across the country are expected to participate in temple rituals, meditation sessions, guru worship, charitable activities and cultural programmes to mark the festival.

Guru Purnima 2026 Date and Timings

According to the Hindu calendar, the Purnima Tithi will begin at 6:19 PM on July 28 and conclude at 8:05 PM on July 29.

Important timings (Ujjain, IST):

• Guru Purnima: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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

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

• Sunrise: 6:00 AM

• Sunset: 7:06 PM

• Moonrise: 7:11 PM

• Moonset: 6:20 AM

Religious Significance

Hindu Tradition

In Hinduism, Guru Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the revered sage credited with compiling the Vedas, authoring the Mahabharata and composing the Puranas. Devotees pay tribute to their gurus and seek blessings for wisdom, knowledge and spiritual progress.

Buddhist Significance

For Buddhists, the day commemorates Lord Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment. The discourse, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra, introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, marking the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.

Jain Tradition

In Jainism, Guru Purnima marks the occasion when Lord Mahavira accepted Gautam Swami as his first disciple, symbolising the beginning of the Jain guru-disciple tradition.

Major Rituals Observed

Guru Purnima is observed through several religious and spiritual practices across India.

Vyasa Puja: Devotees worship Maharishi Ved Vyasa and offer flowers, fruits and prayers to their spiritual teachers.

Padapuja: In many temples and ashrams, disciples perform ceremonial worship of the guru's feet or sandals as a mark of respect and devotion.

Meditation and Spiritual Reflection: Many devotees spend the day in meditation, self-introspection and spiritual learning while seeking guidance for personal growth.

Buddhist Observances: Buddhist monks observe Uposatha and begin Vassa, the annual three-month monastic retreat.

Tributes by Artists: Students of Indian classical music and dance honour their gurus through performances and cultural programmes.

Regional Celebrations

Guru Purnima is celebrated with different customs across the country.

In Ujjain and Varanasi, large-scale Vyasa Puja ceremonies are organised at temples and spiritual centres.

Across South India, ashrams host special pujas, satsangs, meditation sessions, spiritual discourses and community meals.

In Western and Eastern India, devotees participate in bhajan programmes, devotional gatherings and spiritual seminars dedicated to gurus and teachers.

A Festival of Gratitude

Beyond its religious importance, Guru Purnima is regarded as a celebration of gratitude towards those who impart knowledge and values. The festival reinforces the importance of the guru-disciple relationship while encouraging self-discipline, lifelong learning and spiritual development.

As millions of devotees prepare to celebrate Guru Purnima on July 29, temples, educational institutions, spiritual organisations and cultural groups across the country are expected to organise special events to honour teachers and mentors.