The Hindu festival of Guru Purnima, also called Vyasa Purnima, is dedicated to Guru Puja or Guru Worship, and it takes place on the full moon day of the month of Ashadh (June-July). Since followers of many religions revere their gurus as spiritual guides who illuminate the path with their wisdom and teachings, this lucky day holds great significance. The word “guru” means dispeller of darkness, which emphasizes the role of these individuals in dispelling ignorance and guiding people to knowledge. Guru Purnima is a traditional celebration honoring the sage Vyasa, who is famous for collecting and revising major Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and the Mahabharata. Honoring the teacher-disciple dynamic of the guru-shishya relationship, the festival focuses on being grateful for the invaluable knowledge and spiritual growth given to us by gurus. Offerings, prayers, and acts of service made to gurus are all part of rituals, the purpose of which is to continue to receive their blessings and guidance on a lifelong path of learning and self-discovery.
Guru Purnima 2024: Date and Time
Guru Purnima on Sunday, July 21, 2024
Purnima Tithi Start – 20th July 2024 at 05:59 PM
Purnima Tithi ends – 03:46 PM, July 21, 2024
Guru Purnima 2024: Significance
Apart from its religious and spiritual significance, Guru Purnima has become a widely celebrated cultural festival that transcends social and religious boundaries. On this day people gather to honour their Gurus and professors, reflecting a sense of group respect. It is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education on people and society. Whether through a temple visit, an ashram blessing or a sincere expression of gratitude, Guru Purnima creates a collective awareness of obligation towards those who enlighten the mind and emotions. The festival emphasises the importance of the day as a moment to honour teachers, gurus and sages who impart knowledge with sacrifice, shaping lives. Finally, Guru Purnima ensures the continuity of knowledge and wisdom transmission by strengthening the bonds of respect and appreciation between generations.
Guru Purnima 2024: Rituals
Hindu Guru Puja:
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To worship the Guru with devotion as your spiritual guide.
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It includes recitation of Guru Gita and Mantras, Prasad and Vyasa Puja.
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Distribution of Prasad and practices such as Padapuja, worship of slippers.
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To reiterate the acts of devotion and commitment of the disciples.
Spiritual contemplation and initiation:
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Disciples reflect on their spiritual development.
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It usually begins with initiation or entry into spiritual activities.
Buddhist rituals:
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Following the teachings of the Buddha (Uposatha).
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The monsoon season marks the beginning of penance and meditation.
Tributes in Indian Classical Music:
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Students pay tribute to their music gurus.
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It emphasizes the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition).
