Guru plays an important role in the life of devotees who seek truth from them and acquire much knowledge about the spiritual realm. They are able to shape their lives based on the teachings and advise of these gurus. Gurus are considered to represent God himself. They are people who can lead one on the path of happiness and help in attaining salvation from worldly existence.
Guru Purnima is a festival traditionally celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists, marked by ritualistic veneration of the Guru, Guru Puja. Gurus are believed by many to be the most necessary part of lives.
Guru Purnima day have great importance in relation to a guru and disciple. On this day a disciple, expresses his gratitude to his Guru. This is the day that strengthens the teacher student bond.
The Hindu spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by remembering their life and teachings. Vyasa Puja is held at various temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour. Sadhus and Sannyasins are worshipped and fed.
The sacred worship of the Guru's Feet is performed on this day. The charnamrita literally nectar of the feet, the symbolic wash of Guru's feet, which represents his grace, is distributed among the shishya (disciples).
Devout disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer. They also take fresh resolves for spiritual progress. This day is also seen as an occasion when fellow devotees, Guru Bhai (disciple-brother), express their solidarity to one another in their spiritual journey.
Guru Purnima is also celebrated by Buddhists in the honor of Gautama Buddha to commemorate the day when Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Buddhists observe on this day uposatha i.e. to observe eight precepts. Vipassana meditators practice meditation on this day under the guidance of their teachers.