Guru Purnima 2018 | Spiritual significance, traditions of the ancient Hindu festival

Guru Purnima 2018 falls on July 27. The day is dedicated to all great gurus and teachers in the world. All schools, institutions and government offices will remain closed in observance of the spiritually significant day. Hindus and Buddhists across India and the world celebrate the day every year with spiritual fervour.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha, between June and July. This year Guru Purnima falls on July 27.

As a spiritual tradition based on ancient Hindu belief of Karma Yoga, the day is dedicated to spiritual leaders and great gurus and teachers the world over.

The day is marked in honour of great leaders who selflessly dedicate themselves to enlighten the world population with great wisdom. Some people observe fast in obeisance to the great sage – Vyasa. Indians consider Vyasa as the greatest gurus in ancient Indian traditions.

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Guru Puja and prayers are held in every Hindu household and events showcasing traditional dance and music are organised in celebration of the day.

According to the ancient yogic tradition, on Guru Purnima (Full moon day) Shiva became Adi Guru, or the first Guru.

Hindus believe that Shiva on turning Adi guru started the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis on this day.

Buddhists believe lord Buddha gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. So, they celebrate the day in the honour of Lord Buddha.

Guru Purnima is also celebrated in Nepal which majority population consists of Hindus and Buddhists.

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