Ashadha Purnima will be observed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. It falls on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) of the Ashadha month. This sacred day is also celebrated as Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima.
Ashadha Purnima is one of the most sacred Purnimas in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu and is also celebrated as Guru Purnima, a day to honour the “guru”, the one who removes darkness (ignorance) and shows us the path of truth, wisdom, and dharma.
This day is also known as Vyasa Purnima because it marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa. He compiled the four Vedas, composed the Mahabharata, and preserved many sacred scriptures for future generations.
There are two main stories connected with Ashadha Purnima. The first comes from Sanatan Dharma and is linked to Maharishi Ved Vyasa. Before Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the knowledge of the Vedas was passed down only through oral tradition. To preserve this sacred wisdom and make it easier to understand, he divided the Vedas into four books: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. He also composed the Mahabharata, which includes the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and wrote many Puranas. Because of his immense contribution to preserving the wisdom of Sanatan Dharma, Maharishi Ved Vyasa came to be known as the Adi Guru (the first great teacher), and in his honour, devotees celebrate Guru Purnima every year.
The second story comes from the Buddhist tradition. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Bhagwan Buddha travelled to Sarnath to meet his first five disciples. On the full moon day of Ashadha, he delivered his first sermon and shared the Four Noble Truths: the Truth of Suffering (Dukkha), the Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya), the Truth of the End of Suffering (Nirodha), and the Truth of the Path to End Suffering (Magga) with them. For this reason, Buddhists also celebrate Guru Purnima with great devotion.
On Ashadha Purnima, the day starts early. Devotees bathe and then begin the day by offering prayers to Bhagwan Vishnu and their guru. Many people also remember their parents, teachers, mentors, and elders who have guided them in life. Those who can manage it try to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga or another holy river.
A lot of devotees keep the Purnima vrat on this day. They spend their time chanting Bhagwan Vishnu's name, reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, and reading from the Shrimad Bhagavatam or the Bhagavad Gita. Some visit their guru in person for blessings, while those who can't simply pray from home instead. Offering Guru Dakshina, whatever one can manage, is also an important and common practice on this day.
Ashadha Purnima will be observed on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Ashadha Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima as it marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa.
Yes, easily. Worship Bhagwan Vishnu, offer prayers to your guru, chant the “Akhanda-Mandaalakaram Vyaaptam Yena Chara-Charam, Tat-Padam Darshitam Yena Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah,” mantra, read the Shrimad Bhagavatam or Vishnu Sahasranama. If possible, do some charity.
Not really. Many devotees do keep a Purnima vrat, but it mostly comes down to personal choice, health, and whatever your family usually follows.
Annadaan (feeding people) is considered especially auspicious on this day.