What is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima honours the teacher, and Vyasa in particular, on the full moon of Ashadha. It is kept by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike — the Buddha is said to have given his first sermon on this day.
How it is observed
Students offer their teachers flowers, cloth and a formal salutation. Ashrams hold recitations, and many begin a period of study or discipline on this date.