Every year on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha, communities across India, Nepal and Bhutan pause to honour the people who have guided them — teachers, mentors, spiritual leaders, and the elders whose wisdom helped shape who they are.
This year, Guru Purnima falls on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
What is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is a religious festival dedicated to offering respect to spiritual and academic gurus. It is celebrated in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls in June or July.
The word itself carries its meaning in its roots. The word “Guru” came from two Sanskrit roots: Gu means darkness or ignorance, and Ru means the remover. A Guru is the one who clears away the darkness of ignorance.
It is also known as Vyasa Purnima, because it marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.
When is Guru Purnima 2026?
Guru Purnima falls on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. The Purnima Tithi begins at 6:18 PM on 28 July and ends at 8:05 PM on 29 July 2026.
The significance of Guru Purnima across traditions
For Hindus
In Hindu mythology, Shiva is considered the adi guru, or the original teacher. He shared sacred knowledge with seven seekers on a full-moon day, marking the origin of Guru Purnima. The day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima — the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa, who divided the Vedas into four parts — Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda — and authored the Mahabharata, 18 Puranas and the Brahma Sutras.
For Buddhists
Buddhists believe that the Buddha gave his first sermon on Guru Purnima. They honour his wisdom, revisit his teachings, and renew their dedication to spiritual awakening. For the Bhutanese community — where Buddhism is woven deeply into daily life — Guru Purnima holds particular significance as a day for spiritual renewal and gratitude to monastic teachers.
For Sikhs
Guru Purnima is observed by many Sikhs as a day to honour the Guru Granth Sahib and the lineage of Sikh Gurus who passed on wisdom and spiritual guidance.
How Guru Purnima is celebrated
In India
Guru Purnima is observed widely across India, in homes, ashrams, schools and temples. Common practices include seeking blessings from gurus, praying, performing puja, visiting temples, and leaving offerings. Many students visit former teachers to express gratitude. In yogic traditions, this day marks the beginning of the spiritual calendar, with ashrams across the country hosting spiritual discourses and ceremonies.
In Nepal
In Nepal, Guru Purnima is a big day in schools. This day is Teacher’s Day in Nepal. Students honour their teachers by offering delicacies, garlands, and special hats called topi made with indigenous fabric. Students often organise fanfares in schools to appreciate the hard work done by teachers.
In Bhutan
Guru Purnima is a significant festival in Bhutan, celebrated by Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. For Bhutanese Buddhists, the day aligns with Dharma Day — the anniversary of the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath — making it one of the most sacred days in the calendar.
In Australia and New Zealand
For Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese communities in Australia and New Zealand, Guru Purnima is often observed through temple visits, community gatherings, and quiet acts of gratitude to teachers and elders — whether in person or from a distance.
For those who cannot be with their families on this day, sending money home is one way to honour the people who made sacrifices to give you the education and opportunities you have today.
Guru Purnima and the idea of the guru in everyday life
Guru Purnima is not only about formal religious or academic teachers. In Indian, Nepali and Bhutanese culture, the concept of the guru extends to anyone who has guided you — a parent who worked hard to fund your education, an uncle who helped you navigate a new country, a community elder who showed you what it means to live with integrity.
For migrants in Australia and New Zealand, Guru Purnima can be a meaningful moment to acknowledge those people — and, if possible, to reach out, send a gift, or support them financially as a tangible expression of gratitude.
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
When is Guru Purnima 2026?
Guru Purnima 2026 falls on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
What is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is a Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh festival observed in India, Nepal and Bhutan to honour spiritual and academic teachers. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha each year.
Why is Guru Purnima also called Vyasa Purnima?
The day marks the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa, the compiler of the four Vedas and author of the Mahabharata, who is revered as one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition.
Is Guru Purnima a public holiday?
Guru Purnima is not a national public holiday in India, though it may be observed in schools, ashrams and spiritual institutions. It is observed as Teacher’s Day in Nepal. In Bhutan, it is observed as a significant Buddhist day.
How do people celebrate Guru Purnima?
Common observances include visiting temples, performing puja, seeking blessings from teachers and elders, meditating, fasting, and in Nepal, students presenting garlands, topi and gifts to their teachers.
How is Guru Purnima observed by Buddhists?
Buddhists observe Guru Purnima as the anniversary of the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath. They reaffirm the eight core teachings of the Buddha and many monks begin a period of meditation called vassa.
Send money home for Guru Purnima
If your family is celebrating Guru Purnima in India, Nepal or Bhutan this July, OrbitRemit supports fast, affordable transfers to all three countries from Australia and New Zealand.
- India: Bank deposit to all major Indian banks | UPI supported
- Nepal: Bank deposit and cash pickup via NIC Asia Bank
- Bhutan: Bank deposit to Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank, T Bank, Druk PNB Bank and more
All transfers include a flat fee shown upfront, with the rate fixed at confirmation. New customers receive a first transfer free with a promotional exchange rate.
Guru Purnima 2026 falls on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Tithi timings are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and may vary slightly by location. Last updated June 2026.
Sources: Wikipedia — Guru Purnima | Britannica — Guru Purnima | astroyogi.com | Hindu American Foundation
