Guru Purnima's can be celebrated to revere any guru, your teacher, parents or one's own self.
after summer solstice. According to the Hindi calendar, it falls in the month of
Aashad. The day holds importance since it sees people across India thank their '
gurus' or teachers. Apart from Hindus, Buddhists also observe the day to express their gratitude towards their teacher. In the Indian culture, many claim the day came to being with yogis worshiping Sage Ved Vyas who penned down the 4
vedas, deeply revered by Hindus across the world.
Legend has it that after Sage Vyas wrote Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Atharva-Veda, he recited it to the God of creation or birth, Lord Brahma, thereby lending them religious importance.
In some parts of India, it is also called Ved Vyas
pooja (after saint Vyas). Ascetics in some parts of India still honour the saint with a
pooja. Most believe that a devotee can choose to worship any of the two of three main Gods in Hindu religion, Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu.
The manner in which this day was celebrated has been a journey in itself. While in ancient history expression of gratitude involved touching guru's feet, fasting and holding a celebration for him or her, it has now metamorphosised into celebration of varied scale and manner. Schools and colleges hold special events to celebrate this day.
Gurus, in practise are not just teachers. Hence, many even thank their parents for imbibing purposeful knowledge into their kids. Some people even say that if one's own life is a teacher, one could honour oneself with a treat too.
Since the day is celebrated based on star positions that the Hindi calendar follows, the day doesn't follow on the same day every year. Last year, Guru Purnima was celebrated on 19th July.