Buddhists also observe Guru Purnima in commemoration of Gautama Buddha, which commemorates the day Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.

It’s an occasion for students to demonstrate their devotion to their gurus, making it a significant festival in all three religions. In addition to India, Nepal and Bhutan also celebrate Guru Purnima, where in Nepal, it is designated as the official Teacher’s Day.

Ved Vyasa, a significant symbol of guru-shikshya ties, is a revered figure during Guru Purnima, which is why it is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating his birth anniversary.

Originally, the festival was for spiritual or intellectual instructors, with the name Guru Purnima was taken from two separate origins. ‘Guru’ denotes a remover of darkness, and ‘purnima’ alludes to the full moon night on which it occurs.

It is observed on a full moon day in the Ashadha month, which falls either in June or July in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, it falls on Thursday, July 10, with Purnima Tithi starting at 01:36 AM on July 10 and ending at 02:06 AM on July 11.

The observance of Guru Purnima raises a teacher to a level that removes ignorance from the student’s life, 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 the exchange of knowledge as the only way to achieve transcendence.