Guru Purnima is celebrated by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains every year on the full moon day of the Shakha Samavat in the Hindu calendar. This festival commemorates the goodness of spiritual gurus and teachers as thousands of devotees worship and thank their gurus for enlightenment.

This festival has been celebrated as a tradition for a long time. According to Vedic astrology, this year's Guru Purnima is very auspicious and special. This year, devotees who will perform puja are likely to get success very soon. Banyan tree is also worshiped on Guru Purnima.

Guru Purnima is usually celebrated by worshipping and expressing gratitude to the Gods who are like our Gurus. In monasteries and ashrams, disciples offer prayers in the honour of their teachers.

Celebrations by Hindus and Buddhists to thank their teachers

Guru Purnima is an auspicious festival for Buddhists, as it is popularly believed that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on this auspicious day. That is why, the day is also known as Buddha Purnima. No matter what religion you follow, what culture you have been born and brought up in, Buddha's teachings are universal.

Devotees who strictly observe the Purnima Vrat usually fast by not eating or drinking anything. Partial fasting can also be observed by eating one meal devoid of salt and pulses. After the moon is sighted, devotees perform Puja to their favorite God and break the fast after consuming Prasads.

Guru Purnima traces its roots back to the Vedic era. The word itself has its roots in Sanskrit language, were 'gu' means darkness and 'ru' is the removal of darkness. The festival is celebrated by the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, who respect and honor their gurus and express their gratitude.