Guru Purnima 2026: Date, Significance and Traditions
Guru Purnima is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. In 2026, it falls on 10 July (Friday). It is a day to honour spiritual teachers, gurus and mentors across Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions.
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About Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a sacred festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. The word "Guru" means dispeller of darkness, and "Purnima" means full moon. The festival falls on the full moon day of Ashadha (JuneβJuly). It is also known as Vyasa Purnima, as it marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyasa β the sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata.
Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated across Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions as a day of gratitude towards teachers and spiritual guides. The full moon of Ashadha is considered spiritually potent for reflection and learning.
The festival is also called Vyasa Purnima, honouring Veda Vyasa β the sage credited with compiling the four Vedas and composing the Mahabharata. Disciples of spiritual lineages perform puja of their guru's image or feet (Guru Pada Puja) on this day.
In Buddhist tradition, this is the day the Buddha gave his first discourse (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to his five disciples at Deer Park in Sarnath, Varanasi β marking the beginning of the Sangha (community of practitioners).
How to Observe Guru Purnima
Wake early and meditate
Begin the day with early morning prayers, meditation or recitation of your guru's teachings.
Perform Guru Pada Puja
Offer flowers, dhoop and deepak at the feet of your guru's image or at a sacred shrine.
Read spiritual texts
Read from the Bhagavad Gita, Veda, or any text given by your spiritual teacher.
Express gratitude
Write or speak a personal message of gratitude to your teachers β spiritual, academic or personal.
Observe Upavas (optional)
Some devotees observe a day-long fast on Guru Purnima and break it only after Purnima puja.
Traditions and Practices
Devotees visit ashrams and temples on Guru Purnima. Satsangs (spiritual gatherings), bhajans and discourse programmes are held across India. Many music, yoga and classical dance students offer a special tribute to their teachers. In Buddhist monasteries, monks and laypersons perform acts of generosity and listen to dharma talks. Charitable activities, feeding of the poor and community service are also observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Date Source
Hindu Panchang β Ashadha Purnima
Last Reviewed
5 June 2026
Verification Status
Date confirmed from Hindu Panchang Β· 2026
Applicable Region
Pan-India (all communities)
