Guru Purnima is a special day celebrated in India and some other parts of Asia to honour our teachers and guides. It usually falls in the month of July, on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha. The word “Guru” in Sanskrit means someone who removes darkness (ignorance) and brings light (knowledge). “Purnima” means full moon. Together, Guru Purnima is a day to show respect and gratitude to those who help us learn and grow.
This tradition has existed for thousands of years. It is believed that Guru Purnima was first celebrated in honour of Maharishi Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and many other ancient texts. He is considered one of the greatest teachers in Indian history. That’s why Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima. On this day, people pay respect to their gurus—whether they are spiritual teachers, school teachers, or mentors who guide them in life.
For students, Guru Purnima is a beautiful chance to thank their teachers. Our teachers play a very important role in shaping our minds and our future. They help us understand the world, solve problems, and become better human beings. In ancient times, students would live with their gurus in ashrams and learn not only subjects like maths or grammar but also values like honesty, respect, and discipline. While the world has changed, the role of the teacher remains just as important.
In many schools, Guru Purnima is celebrated with cultural events, speeches, and small gifts or handmade cards for teachers. Some students write poems or essays about their favourite teacher. Others perform songs or dances to show how much they appreciate the support and guidance of their teachers. These small acts of love mean a lot to the people who teach us every day.
But Guru Purnima is not just about classroom learning. Our parents, elders, and even friends can sometimes be our gurus. Anyone who teaches us something valuable and helps us become better can be called a guru. Even books, nature, or experiences can guide us and help us learn. On Guru Purnima, we are reminded to be grateful to all the sources of learning in our lives.
Another important part of Guru Purnima is self-reflection. We are encouraged to think about what we are learning and how we are growing. Are we kind to others? Are we trying to become better every day? Just as our gurus work hard to teach us, we must work hard to learn and apply those lessons in our lives.
In conclusion, Guru Purnima is more than just a day to thank our teachers—it is a reminder of the value of knowledge, discipline, and respect. It teaches us that learning is a journey and our teachers are the guiding lights who help us find our way. As students, we must always remember to respect our teachers and be grateful for all they do for us.