Kathmandu, July 29
Guru Purnima, also known as Ashad Shukla Purnima, is being observed across the country today by honouring and expressing gratitude towards mentors and teachers alike. The festival also holds religious and cultural significance, serving as a day to honour the gurus- traditionally revered as those who impart wisdom and guide their followers on the path of knowledge and enlightenment.
Academic institutions observe the day as Teachers’ Day, with students honouring their teachers in recognition of their invaluable contributions to learning, academic growth, and excellence. In Sanskrit, ‘Gu’ means darkness, while ‘Ru’ means light, symbolising Guru as one who dispels the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge.
Today is also observed as Vyasa Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Ved Vyasa, who is credited with dividing Vedas into four parts- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda-and composing 18 Purans and Upapuranas in simple Sanskrit language, making the teachings of the Veda more accessible. Since Veda Vyasa is believed to have been born on the full moon day of the month of Asar, Vyas Jayanti is celebrated on this day.
On this occasion, Nepal Maharishi Vedic Foundation is organising a special Guru Purnima programme at Brahmananda Saraswati Gram in Champadevi today. Former minister and foundation chairman Deepak Prakash Baskota told the RSS that the programme will be observed by highlighting the significance of Guru Purnima.
