The day of the ‘gurus’, Guru Purnima is celebrated on a full moon day. This festival marks the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, a character in the epic Mahabharata.
Interestingly, this year, the day of Guru Purnima will witness a partial lunar eclipse which will be visible in India. The total duration of the eclipse is 5 hours and 34 minutes.
This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated today, July 16.
Puja Timings
The tithi for Guru Purnima began today at 01.48 AM and will conclude at 03.07 AM on July 17.
Significance
Conventionally, the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in honour of the Lord Buddha who gave his first sermon on this day. The word ‘Guru’ denotes a person who guides his followers from darkness of ignorance to enlightenment. This festival is celebrated to honour and pay tribute to these gurus.
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Importance
Symbolising the pure bond of Guru-shishya, Hindu ascetics and monks observe this day by offering puja to their gurus. In India, the day is celebrated by thanking the teachers and seeking their blessings and also by remembering the great scholars from history.
Happy Guru Purnima, everyone!
