Ashad Purnima, the Full Moon day in Ashad month, is also popular as Guru Purnima or Veda Vyasa Purnima in many places. In 2026, Ashada Purnima date is July 29.
On this auspicious day, Gurus (teachers) are worshipped. The authors and compilers of Vedas, Upanishats, and Ithihaas are honored as Gurus in Hindusim. Guru Puja is the main ritual of Ashada Purnima.
Ashada Pournima is celebrated with lot of gusto in temples dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, Shirdi Sai Baba, Dakshinamurthi, and Vyasa Bhagawan. The incarnations of Sri Dattatreya Bhagawan – Sri Pada Sri Vallabha and Nrusimha Saraswati are also worshipped in their temples on Guru Pournima day.
When is Ashadha Purnima in 2026?
This year, Ashadha Purnima (Guru Purnima) will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
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Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:18 PM on July 28, 2026
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Purnima Tithi Ends: 08:05 PM on July 29, 2026
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Ashadha Purnima is deeply revered across multiple traditions for several key reasons:
1. Guru Purnima (Honoring the Teachers)
This day is dedicated to expressing gratitude to spiritual and academic gurus. The word Guru translates to the one who dispels darkness (ignorance). Disciples honor their mentors, spiritual guides, and teachers who have imparted wisdom and shaped their lives.
2. Ved Vyasa Jayanti
The day is also known as Vyasa Purnima as it marks the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa. He is one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition, recognized for dividing the Vedas into four parts (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva) and authoring the great epic, the Mahabharata, as well as the Puranas.
3. The Beginning of Chaturmas
Ashadha Purnima marks the start of Chaturmas, a holy four-month period that lasts until Prabodhini Ekadashi (in the month of Kartik). During this time, wandering monks and spiritual seekers stay in one place to focus entirely on meditation, fasting, and spiritual discourse (Satsang).
Key Rituals and Practices
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Guru Puja: Devotees perform Padya Puja (worshipping the feet) of their spiritual gurus or the deities who represent the ultimate Guru (such as Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy or Lord Dattatreya).
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Satyanarayan Vrat: Many families observe a fast and perform the Lord Satyanarayan Puja at home to bring peace, prosperity, and positivity.
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Charity and Daan: It is considered highly auspicious to donate food, clothes, and essential items to Brahmins and the needy. Scriptural beliefs state that acts of charity performed on this day yield multiplied spiritual rewards.
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Sacred Bathing: Taking a dip in holy rivers (like the Ganges or Godavari) before sunrise is a traditional practice to wash away sins and begin the day with purity.