THE Guru Purnima is an annual Hindu, Buddhist and Jain celebration to commemorate teachers, gurus and mentors.
It is also known as Vyasa Purnima as it marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa – a legendary Hindu sage.
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The ancient tradition dates back thousands of years Credit: Getty When is Guru Purnima 2021?
Guru Purnima is a Hindu and Buddhist ceremony to commemorate teachers, gurus and mentors.
This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 24, 2021.
However, the official day begins at 10:43 am on July 23, 2021 and ends on 08:06 am on July 24, 2021, according to religious leaders.
The festival is generally observed by people in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
It is marked each year around the time of the full moon (known as Purnima) which takes place in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July).
During the day, people traditionally offer their prayers to God.
In ashrams and monasteries, disciples chant hymns for their gurus.
Meanwhile, millions of Jains and Buddhists celebrate the special occasion by taking a bath in the morning and offering their gurus sweets and food.
Guru Purnima quotes
“Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, no one can cross over” - Guru Nanak
“Guru and God both appear before me. To whom should I prostrate? I bow before the guru who introduced God to me” - Kabir
“Worshipping the feet of the guru is the ultimate of all worships” - Sri Guru Pranam
“A man should first direct himself in the way he should go. Only then should he instruct others” - Gautam Buddha
“Guru is the creator brahma, grew is the preserver Vishnu, guru is the destroyer Shiva. Guru is directly the Supreme spirit – I offer my salutations to this guru” - Adi Shankar
“He alone teaches who has something to give, for teaching is not talking, teaching is not imparting doctrines, it is communicating” - Swami Vivekananda
“The enemy is a very good teacher” - Dalai Lama
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Hindus, Buddhists and Jains commemorate the spiritual festival in numerous ways Credit: AFP 5
In monasteries, disciples chant hymns for their gurus Credit: AFP 5
Groups of worshipers present gifts Credit: Getty 5
Meanwhile others offer their prays to the Gods Credit: Getty
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Guru Purnima messages and wishes
During Guru Purnima, followers share their messages and wishes in social media. Here are a few:
“You introduced me to myself and showed me the right way. Thanks for making me who I am. Wishing you a happy Guru Purnima Day!
“Nothing is possible without a Guru. They bring you out of the darkness of ignorance. Happy Guru Purnima!”
“Be devoted to your Guru on this holy day and thank him for making you a good person. Happy Guru Purnima!
“You have always been an inspiration to me, guiding me at every point of my life. Wishing you joy and happiness on Guru Purnima!”
“May guru’s blessings always shower on you. Be devoted to Guru this holy day and always!”
“A guru is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. Happy Guru Purnima!”