Buddha Statue, Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Light that leads. Guru Purnima

A full moon, a full heart and a timeless tradition—Guru Purnima is a day to celebrate the guiding lights in our lives. Observed across India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, this sacred festival honours both spiritual and academic mentors. Celebrated on the full moon of Ashadha, it is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating the birth of sage Veda Vyasa, the legendary author of the 'Mahabharata' and compiler of the 'Vedas.'

The day holds deep spiritual significance across traditions. For Buddhists, it signifies the occasion when the Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Fittingly, today's image features the majestic Buddha Statue at Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, Telangana—the world's tallest monolithic statue of Gautama Buddha—standing as a serene symbol of the teachings and wisdom this day seeks to honour. This day also marks the beginning of Vassa—the monastic rainy season retreat. During this period, monks observe uposatha, a Buddhist practice of reflection, meditation and renewing vows that fosters mindfulness and ethical growth for both monastics and laypeople. In the yogic tradition, it is believed that Shiva, the Adi Guru, began imparting the wisdom of yoga to the Saptarishis on this very day.