Festival guide
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima, the full moon of Ashadha, is dedicated to teachers and spiritual guides. It is observed by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
Guru Purnima dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday 29 July | Ashadha Shukla Purnima 28 Jul, 18:19 → 29 Jul, 20:05 |
| 2027 | Sunday 18 July | Ashadha Shukla Purnima 17 Jul, 18:48 → 18 Jul, 21:15 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi at sunrise.
Also known as: Vyasa Purnima.
Story and significance
It is celebrated as the birthday of Veda Vyasa, who is credited with compiling the Vedas and composing the Mahabharata. Buddhists commemorate the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath on this full moon.
How Guru Purnima is celebrated
- Honouring one’s guru with flowers, fruit and offerings (guru dakshina)
- Satsang, study and recitation of scripture
- Students thanking their teachers
- The start of Chaturmas observances for many monks and ascetics
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Guru Purnima 2026?
Guru Purnima 2026 falls on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Guru Purnima 2027?
Guru Purnima 2027 falls on Sunday, 18 July 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Guru Purnima change every year?
Guru Purnima is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha Purnima of Ashadha (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Guru Purnima fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.