Day Of Expressing Gratitude To Gurus: PM Modi Extends Greetings On Guru Purnima, Ashadha Purnima

President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi will deliver a special message via video conference during the Ashdha celebrations taking place as Sarnath.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday extended his greetings to the nation on Guru Purnima. He termed it as “a day of expressing gratitude to all exemplary Gurus who have inspired us”. Guru Purnima is celebrated to worship gurus/teachers and elders in the family etc. 

"Greetings on Guru Purnima. This is a day of expressing gratitude to all exemplary Gurus who have inspired us, mentored us and taught us so much about life. Our society attaches immense importance to learning and wisdom. May the blessings of our Gurus take India to newer heights," tweeted PM Modi.

Modi also extended his wishes on the occasion of ‘Ashadha Purnima’, a sacred day, especially for Buddhists. He shared a video within the tweet, that included his previous remarks paying tributes to the Buddha.

Ashdha Purnima celebration is taking place in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi will deliver a special message via video conference on Wednesday, July 13.  

According to News18, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Culture Gangapuram Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal will be attending the event. 

Guru Purnima 

On this day, gurus or teachers are worshipped for imparting knowledge. The day is dedicated to Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa or more commonly known as Vyasa, a revered sage who is also the author of Mahabharata.

Sanskrit word Guru is derived from Gu and Ru, where Gu means ignorance/darkness and Ru refers to elimination/removal. 

As per rituals, a disciple should bathe, wear clean clothes, do puja, offer prayers and garlands to Vyasa and then visit their guru. Make your teacher sit on a chair or stable place and offer them a garland. After that, offer clothes, fruits, flowers, garland, and Dakshina in the form of some money to your Guru and take their blessings. 

Ashadha Purnima

Ashadha Purnima is the second auspicious day for Buddhists as it is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath on this day after enlightenment and taught his five followers Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Dharma Chakra Pravartan Sutra).

Many Buddhists reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol or smoking on this day.