Guru Purnima: remembering the teacher in Braj
Bowing to the guru on Ashadha Purnima, remembering Vyasa, and the mood of the day in Braj and Govardhan.
Updated 25 Oct 2026
Guru Purnima falls on the full moon of Ashadha. It is also kept in memory of Vedavyasa, who by tradition arranged the Vedas. Disciples bow to their guru that day and offer flowers, fruit and gifts.
In Braj many devotees go to their guru at an ashram. At Govardhan a very large crowd is said to gather; locally the day is called Mudiya Poono, and many walk the parikrama.
Someone without an initiating guru can still keep the day by bowing to parents or a teacher. A guru is one who leads from darkness to light.
