Ashadha Purnima
Guru Purnima
Also known as Vyasa Purnima
Guru Purnima honours the guru: the teacher who leads from darkness to light. Falling on the full moon of Ashadha, it also marks the birth of the sage Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas, hence its name Vyasa Purnima.
2026
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
2027
Sunday, 18 July 2027
The day at a glance
Loading the day’s timings…
Significance
The guru-disciple relationship is central to Indian spiritual life, and this is the day to express gratitude to one’s teachers, spiritual and worldly alike. For monastics it begins the four-month Chaturmas retreat.
How Guru Purnima is observed
Disciples offer worship and gifts (guru-dakshina) to their teachers, recite scripture, and many begin Chaturmas vows. Ashrams and spiritual centres hold special gatherings.
FAQ
Who is honoured on Guru Purnima?
One’s guru or teacher; the day also marks the birth of Vyasa, compiler of the Vedas and the Mahabharata.
What is guru-dakshina?
It is the offering a disciple makes to a teacher in gratitude and is traditionally given on Guru Purnima.
What is Chaturmas?
The four-month monsoon retreat for monastics that traditionally begins around Guru Purnima.
Around the same season
Plan around Guru Purnima
Never miss a date
Get the Astroyana almanac in your inbox — the season’s festivals, vrat & fasting days, and each month’s auspicious windows. Calm, practical, no fear-mongering; unsubscribe in one click.