Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 5, 2020, across the country. This year, devotees are advised to stay in-doors and restrain themselves from visiting religious places due to covid-19 pandemic.

This year, it's advised to celebrate Guru Purnima festival within the four walls of your home. In view of COVID-19 crisis, Mathura's Guru Purnima Mela which was scheduled to be held from July 1 to 5, was also cancelled.

Krishna devotees from across the world visit Mathura to circumambulate the 21 km Girraj Parikrama.

The day of the Guru Purnima coincides with the Lunar Eclipse this year. Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:33 AM on July 04, 2020 Purnima Tithi Ends - 10:13 AM on July 05, 2020 (Source: Drikpanchang.com) Guru Purnima Significance 7/4/2020 Guru Purnima 2020 Date, Time & Significance - Times of India

The full moon day in the month of Ashadha is observed as Guru Purnima in Hindu religion. On this day, disciples pay respect to their gurus. It's also the birth anniversary of sage Veda Vyasa who is the author as well as a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Some of the other great gurus include - Adi Shankara, Sri Ramanuja Acharya and Sri Madhvacharya. The Buddhists pay respect to Gautama Buddha on this day. It's said that Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is one of the most auspicious days observed to pay respect and remember one's guru or teacher. It is celebrated on the full moon day in Ashadh, the third month of the Hindu calendar. On Sunday, July 5, Guru Purnima coincides with Chandra Grahan or lunar eclipse.

A guru is someone who leads his disciples from ignorance to light and guides them on the right path. A guru imparts knowledge and awareness. Disciples or students respond to their gurus by working hard with complete diligence and devotion.

Guru Purnima: Interesting facts

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima. According to mythology, the writer of the epic Mahabharata, Veda Vyasa was born on this day.

On this day, Shakyamuni Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment.

According to the yogic tradition, on this day Lord Shiva or the 'Adi Guru' or 'original teacher' began the transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis.

Guru Purnima timings

Purnima Tithi starts at 11:33 am on July 4. Purnima Tithi end at 10:13 am on July 5

Guru Purnima pujas

Many devotees fast on this day and offer prayers to their spiritual gurus to seek blessings.

People who believe in astrology, pray to Guru Graha or the planet Jupiter for courage, confidence and wisdom. Some offer prayers to Veda Vyasa for knowledge and wisdom.

Devotees also offer prayers to Sage Kapila, often identified as one of the founders of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. The Vedic sage is also thought to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Guru Purnima is celebrated in India, Nepal and Bhutan by the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. Guru Purnima is a great opportunity to pay respect and gratitude to the teachers who have always guided us.

Source: Various papers