GURU PURNIMA : Homage To The Teacher

The full moon day in Ashadh is dedicated to all teachers and is called Guru Purnima. The Indian civilization venerates the guru or the master who guides his pupils in their search for enlightenment through knowledge and self-searching.

The guru uses the kohl stick of knowledge to open the eyes of the blind folded student so that he may dispel the darkness of ignorance and make him see the truth of self-realization.

On this day students visit their elders, teachers and guides in order to show respect to them with gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. These gifts are called gurudakshina. There are discourses held in community gatherings to hear redings of the Bhagavad Gita, the teachings of Krishna, the greatest guru of all.