Guru Purnima in India

Guru Purnima is a traditional Indian festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This day, which falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July), is a time for students to express reverence and gratitude towards their gurus. It holds immense significance in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions.

History:

The festival has ancient origins and is believed to have Buddhist roots, commemorating the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the yogic tradition, Guru Purnima is associated with Maharishi Vyasa, who is considered one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hindu traditions and a symbol of Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition. Vyasa was the author of the Mahabharata as well as a character in it.

Traditions:

• Reverence to Gurus: Disciples offer their respect to their current spiritual teachers as well as remember past gurus.
• Pujas & Rituals: Special prayers or pujas are conducted in honor of the gurus. Devotees may visit temples or perform these rituals at home.
• Offerings: Students often bring gifts or tokens of appreciation to their teachers.
• Spiritual Practices: Many devotees begin or intensify their spiritual practices on this day.
• Chanting & Meditation: Recitations of sacred texts and collective meditation sessions are common.

Activities:

People celebrate Guru Purnima by: 1. Paying homage to their teachers. 2. Observing fasts as a sign of purification and devotion. 3. Participating in cultural programs that often include singing devotional songs and hymns. 4. Sharing insights and teachings related to guru-disciple tradition through discourses or stories.

The emphasis on this day is on learning and honoring those who impart knowledge and wisdom, reinforcing the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship in Indian culture.