Guru Purnima 2025: The Festival of Teachers
Festival guide · 2025
Guru Purnima (गुरु पूर्णिमा) falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the month of Ashadha (June–July) and is dedicated to honouring teachers — spiritual gurus, academic teachers, and mentors. It is observed across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
In Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the sage Vyasa — author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas — making it also called Vyasa Purnima. In Buddhism, it marks the day the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after his enlightenment.
Traditions & Observance
Honouring the Guru
Disciples express gratitude to their spiritual teachers through pada puja (worshipping the teacher's feet or sandals), offering flowers, sweets, and gifts. Spiritual discourses and satsangs are held at ashrams and spiritual centres. Many students visit their teachers' homes or invite them for a special meal.
Buddhist Observance
In Buddhism, Guru Purnima (Asalha Puja in Theravada tradition) marks the day the Buddha delivered his first discourse — the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion) — to five ascetics at the Deer Park in Sarnath, near Varanasi. It is one of the most important days in the Theravada Buddhist calendar.
Academic Teachers
In the modern Indian tradition, Guru Purnima is also a day to honour school and university teachers. Students visit their teachers with flowers and sweets. The day has an equivalent in Teacher's Day (5 September — birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan), but Guru Purnima carries deeper spiritual resonance.
Jain Observance
For Jains, Guru Purnima is associated with the day Mahavira — the 24th Tirthankara — made Indrabhuti Gautama his first disciple, initiating the tirthankar's teaching mission. It is observed with prayers, fasting, and homage to Jain monks and nuns (sadhus and sadhvis).
Other Years
Guru Purnima falls on the Ashadha Purnima. Dates vary each year. Confirm with your local temple, ashram, or Buddhist centre.