Guru Purnima 2023: A festival honours gurus or teachers, an occasion for students to show their devotion to their mentors

Guru Purnima recognises gurus or instructors and is celebrated by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains. It is an opportunity for pupils to express their gratitude to their teachers, and Guru Purnima is celebrated in all three religions and communities. This year it falls on July 3, 2023. In addition to India, Nepal and Bhutan observe Guru Purnima. Ved Vyasa, is an important figure and to commemorate his birth date, Guru Purnima also known as Vyasa Purnima, is celebrated.

Originally, the event was intended to honour spiritual or academic instructors. Guru Purnima got its name from two separate places. 'Guru' means 'darkness remover,' and 'purnima' alludes to the full moon night on which it falls. As a result, instructors were actually seen to be those who removed darkness from their disciples' lives in ancient times. Guru Purnima is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha, which corresponds to June or July in the Gregorian calendar. Historically, students performed pujas for their instructors and even fasted in their honour on this day. 

The celebration of Guru Purnima may be traced back to several stories. According to Yogic legend, Lord Shiva shared his teachings with humanity on this day, becoming the first renowned guru. Another well-known account is the above-mentioned birth of Ved Vyasa, who taught the Vedas to his four followers. On this day at Sarnath, Buddha is reported to have given his first sermon to his people. Furthermore, Jains believe that Mahavira (one of the most prominent Tirthankaras) found his first disciple on Guru Purnima.

Guru Purnima honours a teacher by removing ignorance from the student's life and elevating him to a higher plane. As a result, it is also a celebration of the knowledge and wisdom that a teacher possesses and shares. It also promotes information exchange as the only way to achieve transcendence. Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is an excellent opportunity to honour your instructors. Teachers in our life might range from our parents to our professors to our older siblings.