In Hinduism, there is great importance of Guru. Guru's position is paramount in society. The Guru is like a shining moon, who lights up in the darkness and leads. There is no one like the Guru, because the Guru gives the path to reach God.

There is a day for a person who is so great, that day is 'Guru Purnima'. Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashada according to the Hindu calendar. Guru Purnima is the day of worship of the Guru. The reason behind celebrating Guru Purnima is that Maharishi Ved Vyasa was born on this day. Maharishi Ved Vyasa composed the four Vedas and the Mahabharata. In Hinduism Ved Vyasa is worshiped as God. Due to the birth of Ved Vyasa on this day, it is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

Guru Purnima is known as Ashada Purnima, Vyasa Purnima and Mudia Poono. It is a festival which is celebrated like a festival. This is season changing time, because from this time onwards, there is an increase in rain. In ancient times, sages and saints traveled from one place to another. They stay in one place for 4 months at the time of Chaumasa or rain. They stay for 4 months from the full moon of Ashada, which is why in these 4 months, major fasting festivals come. In the year 2020 Guru Purnima will be celebrated on Sunday 05 July.

On the day of Guru Purnima, everyone worships Ved Vyasa with devotion and wishes for their auspicious life. On this day pudding is distributed as Prasad. The Sadhus (saints) of Bengal go on a circumambulation on this day. In the Braj region, this festival is celebrated as Mudia Poono and Circumambulation around Mount Govardhan. Some worship Brahma on this day and some worship their guru. On this day, people worship Guru as a true God. This day is celebrated with pomp at temples, ashrams and mausoleums of the Guru.

Why is the full moon of Ashada celebrated on Guru Purnima?

The purpose of celebrating the full moon of Aashadh is that when the dark clouds are covered and darkened during the heavy rains, then the Guru is like the moon, who illuminates the earth from the midst of the black clouds. The meaning of the word 'Guru' is to end the Tama or to eliminate the darkness.