Guru Purnima 2025: Dos And Don’ts To Observe The Sacred Day

Guru Purnima, falling on Thursday, July 10, 2025, is a spiritually significant festival in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. It is a day devoted to honoring teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides who illuminate our path with wisdom and knowledge. Rooted in ancient Indian culture, Guru Purnima is celebrated with deep reverence, introspection, and spiritual discipline.

As we prepare to observe this auspicious day, here are some important dos and don’ts to ensure your observance is respectful and meaningful.

Why Guru Purnima Is Celebrated?

In Hindu tradition, it commemorates the birth of Sage Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata.

In Buddhism, it marks the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.

For Jains, it is the day when Lord Mahavira made Gautam Swami his first disciple.

The word “Guru” means remover of darkness (Gu – darkness, Ru – remover), and this day is dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who guide us—whether spiritual, academic, or personal mentors.

Dos on Guru Purnima

1. Honor Your Guru or Teachers
Visit your spiritual guru or teacher if possible, or connect virtually.

Offer respect through traditional means—flowers, garlands, or a heartfelt message.

2. Engage in Prayer and Meditation
Begin your day with meditation, chanting, or mantra recitation to center yourself spiritually.

Many observe special pujas and rituals to seek blessings and inner peace.

3. Practice Fasting or Sattvic Eating
Many devotees observe a fast or consume only sattvic (pure) food, avoiding onions, garlic, and heavy spices.

Fasting helps promote clarity and spiritual focus.

4. Read or Listen to Spiritual Discourses
Read sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Vasistha, or teachings of your guru.

Attend satsangs or spiritual gatherings, physically or online.

5. Perform Acts of Service (Seva)
Help others in your community, temple, or even by supporting your teacher’s mission.

Donating to causes your guru supports is a meaningful gesture.

6. Express Gratitude
Reflect on the impact your mentors have had on your life.

A simple message of thanks or a prayer in their name carries deep value.

Don’ts on Guru Purnima

1. Avoid Negative Speech or Gossip
Maintain purity of speech. Speaking ill of others goes against the spiritual discipline of the day.

2. Don’t Overindulge
Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, or indulgent entertainment. Keep your activities simple and spiritual.

3. Don’t Ignore Your Elders or Teachers
Failing to acknowledge those who’ve shaped your life, even with a thought or prayer, goes against the spirit of the day.

4. Avoid Materialistic Distractions
Keep social media, shopping, and entertainment to a minimum. Use the time for inner reflection and learning.

5. Don't Skip Introspection
This is a day to pause and reflect on your personal journey. Ignoring self-assessment is a missed opportunity.

Guru Purnima is more than a traditional observance—it's a spiritual checkpoint. It invites us to pause, bow down to the feet of wisdom, and recommit ourselves to learning, humility, and growth.