KATHMANDU: Guru Purnima, also known as Teachers’ Day, is being observed nationwide today, with people honoring all teachers.

The festival falls on the full moon day in July (Ashad Shukla Purnima in the lunar calendar) and holds significance as a day to pay homage to gurus who impart knowledge.

Gurus are revered for initiating the Gayatri mantra during ceremonies like bratabandh, teaching reading and writing, and reciting Vedic hymns during rituals.

The term ‘guru’ etymologically derives from ‘gu’ meaning darkness and ‘ru’ meaning light, symbolizing one who dispels ignorance with knowledge according to tantric and religious texts.

In Hindu tradition, teachers are regarded akin to the triumvirate gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, and are also considered as embodiments of divinity, much like parents.

Schools, colleges, and various organizations are observing Guru Purnima today with diverse programs to honor teachers.

Additionally, today marks Vyas Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the sage Ved Vyasa, who authored the 18 Puranas and 18 Upapuranas, elucidating the four Vedas.

Ved Vyasa’s teachings emphasize the humanistic principle: ‘Paropakara punyaya, papaya parapidanam,’ meaning virtue is earned through service and charity, while harm or infliction of pain brings negative consequences.