Guru Purnima — the full moon of Ashadha — is the day Sanatana Dharma sets aside for the guru: the one who dispels darkness (gu: darkness, ru: its remover, in the traditional gloss). It is also called Vyasa Purnima, honoring Veda Vyasa — compiler of the Vedas, author of the Mahabharata and the Puranas — the tradition's archetype of the teacher.

The day's premise is simple and demanding: whatever you know, someone carried it to you. Guru Purnima is the annual settling of that account — in gratitude, not payment.

Key facts

• Dates: July 29th, 2026
• Ruling deities: Vyasa, Brihaspati

How it is observed

• Pada puja — the ceremonial honoring of the guru's feet — in ashrams and sampradaya communities; disciples renew their commitment to the teaching.
• Householders honor their own gurus in whatever form they took: a diksha guru, a teacher, elders who transmitted the tradition — with a visit, a gift, or formal pranam.
• Study as worship: reading the guru's teaching, or a portion of Vyasa's own works — the Gita, the Bhagavata — is the classical act of the day.
• Many communities begin Chaturmas observances from this Purnima — the four months of deepened practice through the monsoon.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• The Living Library of Sanatan Dharma: A Guide to the Hindu Scriptures, Their Origins, and Why They Still Matter
• Satyanarayan Puja at Home: Complete Vidhi, Katha Meaning, Samagri & Muhurat
• Satyanarayan puja vidhi (a Purnima observance)
• Begin the Gita, chapter by chapter

Plan Guru Purnima with Purohit Ji

Purohit Ji grounds the observance in your own city and Panchang — timings, vidhi, and what to prepare, answered for your home rather than in general.