Mumbai: Guru Purnima is an important festival in Hinduism and Buddhism, dedicated to honouring and expressing gratitude towards teachers or gurus. It usually takes place on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July).
‘Guru’ in Sanskrit translates to ‘teacher’ or ‘guide.’ On this day, disciples and students show their respect and appreciation to their teachers for providing them with knowledge, wisdom, and guidance.
When is Guru Purnima 2024?
This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on Sunday, July 21. The observance will begin at 5:57 am and conclude at 7:09 pm on the same day. The Purnima tithi, however, starts at 6:00 pm on July 20 and ends at 3:47 pm on July 21.
Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role of gurus in our spiritual and educational journeys. The festival is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating the birth anniversary of Maharishi Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and a key figure in compiling the Vedas. His contributions to Indian literature and spirituality are immense, making this day significant for paying homage to his legacy.
In Buddhism, Guru Purnima is celebrated to honour Lord Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, India. It marks the beginning of the Buddha’s teachings and his role as a spiritual guide to his followers.
On Guru Purnima, disciples renew their commitment to follow the teachings and principles imparted by their gurus. It is a time for self-reflection, seeking blessings, and strengthening the bond between the guru and the disciple.
The day underscores the cultural importance of respecting and valuing teachers. It highlights the societal role of educators in shaping individuals and communities, emphasising the timeless tradition of the Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) relationship.
Inspirational thoughts for Guru Purnima
“Guru is the one who opens the doors of wisdom and leads us from darkness to light.”
“A guru’s teachings are the foundation upon which we build our lives; their wisdom is the compass that guides us through life’s journey.”
“The best way to honour our gurus is by embodying their teachings and striving to be better individuals each day.”
“Guru Purnima reminds us that true knowledge is not just learned but experienced, and our gurus are the ones who make this experience possible.”
“A guru’s love and guidance are the greatest blessings we can receive; they shape our character and inspire us to reach our highest potential.”
“A guru is like a potter, who moulds and shapes the raw clay of our potential into the beautiful pottery of our achievements.”
Creative Guru Purnima drawings
Celebrate Guru Purnima with creative drawings that beautifully depict the reverence and gratitude towards our gurus.
(All images: Pinterest)
Guru Purnima speech ideas
Here are speech ideas for Guru Purnima:
Speech 1
‘Respected Gurus and dear friends,
Today, we celebrate Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to expressing our gratitude to our gurus who have guided us with their wisdom and knowledge. This auspicious day holds a special place in our hearts as it reminds us of the invaluable role our teachers play in shaping our lives.
A Guru is someone who dispels the darkness of ignorance and illuminates our path with the light of knowledge. On this day, we honour the timeless bond between the guru and the disciple.
From ancient times, the tradition of Guru-Shishya has been the cornerstone of our education system. The relationship between a guru and a disciple is not just confined to the realm of education but extends to every aspect of life. A true guru imparts not only academic knowledge but also moral values, life skills, and the strength to face challenges with courage and determination.
Guru Purnima is also the day when we pay homage to the great sage Vyasa, who is considered one of the greatest gurus in Indian history. He compiled the Vedas, authored the Mahabharata, and many other sacred texts. His contributions have been instrumental in preserving and propagating our rich cultural heritage.
On this day, let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons we have learned from our gurus. Let us express our heartfelt gratitude to them for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. Let us remember that the best way to honour our gurus is to apply their teachings in our lives and strive to be better individuals.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all the gurus who have touched our lives in various ways. May we continue to seek their blessings and wisdom as we navigate through the journey of life. Happy Guru Purnima to all!
Thank you.”
Speech 2
“Dear teachers and friends,
Today, we celebrate Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to honouring our teachers and mentors who have selflessly imparted their wisdom and knowledge to us. This day is not only a celebration of the guru-disciple relationship but also a reminder of the values and principles that our gurus stand for.
The significance of Guru Purnima lies in the recognition of the pivotal role that gurus play in our lives. The word ‘Guru’ symbolizes one who leads us from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. Our gurus are our guiding stars, showing us the path to righteousness and success.
In our ancient scriptures, the guru is revered as the ultimate source of wisdom and enlightenment. The Upanishads proclaim, ‘Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara,’ meaning the guru embodies the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This profound reverence for the guru underscores their importance in our spiritual and intellectual growth.
Guru Purnima is also a day to honour Maharishi Vyasa, who is regarded as the Adi Guru or the first guru. His monumental work in compiling the Vedas and writing the Mahabharata has left an indelible mark on our cultural and spiritual heritage. His life and teachings continue to inspire us to seek knowledge and truth.
As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us express our sincere gratitude to our teachers and mentors. Let us acknowledge their tireless efforts in shaping our minds and hearts. Let us also commit ourselves to the values they have instilled in us – integrity, compassion, and the quest for knowledge.
In these challenging times, the role of a guru becomes even more significant. They provide us with the strength and clarity to navigate through uncertainties and emerge stronger. Let us honour their contributions by being diligent students and responsible individuals.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the gurus who have been a part of our journey. May we continue to be inspired by their teachings and strive to make a positive difference in the world. Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Guru Purnima!
Thank you.”
People celebrate Guru Purnima by performing various rituals, such as Guru Puja (worship of the guru), offering prayers, and participating in spiritual discourses. Students and followers express their gratitude through gifts, heartfelt messages, and acts of service to their gurus.
Guru Purnima is thus a day of deep respect, reflection, and reverence, celebrating the timeless relationship between the guru and the disciple.
On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, let us bow to our gurus with reverence and express our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our lives.
Guru Purnima 2024 falls on July 21, a day dedicated to expressing gratitude towards one’s teachers or gurus. This significant festival, celebrated in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, honours the invaluable contributions of gurus in our spiritual and educational journeys. Learn about the meaning behind Guru Purnima, find inspirational thoughts and speeches, and explore creative drawings to commemorate this special occasion. Events Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
