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Spiritual Significance
Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring spiritual teachers and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha. It marks the birthday of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, the sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata and Puranas — hence it is also called Vyasa Purnima. Buddhists also celebrate this day as the occasion when Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.
How to Celebrate in Canada
Observing Guru Purnima in Canada is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in Toronto (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
- Pada Puja (worshipping the feet) of one's guru
- Reading and reciting sacred texts by Veda Vyasa
- Offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to teachers
- Meditation and spiritual discourse
- Expressing gratitude to teachers in all forms
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Lotus flowers🌸 Incense (agarbatti)🌸 Yellow clothes🌸 Books and knowledge🌸 Sweets