Guru Purnima, falling on Friday, honours the cherished teacher-student relation that has been present since the dawn of time. At every stage of life, we are constantly learning, from family members, friends, dedicated teachers and even from life itself.

Guru Purnima falls in the month of Aashad, according to the Hindi calendar. It is a day ranked highly in terms of religious importance as Hindus celebrate it to offer gratitude and prayers to their gurus or teachers. Even Buddhists hold this day important and thank their teachers and parents for guiding them through life.

In many parts of India, people still choose this day to offer prayers to Sage Vyas and call it 'Ved Vyas Pooja'. It is also said that one doesn't have to necessarily worship a 'guru' or a practising teacher. It can be anyone who has had a profound impression on your life and taught you the nuances of living life. Many people take this day to worship their parents. 

It is also believed that if you're a self-taught person and your own life has been a teacher then take this day to treat yourself. 

People from across the nation took the opportunity of Guru Purnima to hail the importance of teachers in our lives.

गुरु पूर्णिमा के पावन अवसर पर देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।#GuruPurnima greetings to everyone. Ours is a society that holds teachers in very high esteem. We thank our teachers, who always inspire and bring out the best in us.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2018

My greetings to fellow citizens on the auspicious ocassion of Guru Purnima. It is an important day to remember and express our gratitude to all the gurus (Teachers).#GuruPurnima pic.twitter.com/OXxBOKKrbP

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) July 27, 2018

#GuruPurnima greetings to all! Gurus are the light for us in the dark. They guide us to the path of righteousness with knowledge & wisdom! pic.twitter.com/3f4k8WxhHJ

— Amit Chavda (@AmitChavdaINC) July 27, 2018

India is the only country that honors the Self-realized Guru as a universal power, not as confined to a particular name or person only. #GuruPurnima

— Dr David Frawley (@davidfrawleyved) July 27, 2018

Greetings and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of #GuruPurnima . I am fondly remembering & saluting all my gurus ( parents,teachers, coaches,seniors & friends) who guided & inspired me to be a good human and responsible Indian. #गुरुपूर्णिमा pic.twitter.com/IaUxe9zToM

— Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) July 27, 2018

A very significant day in the life of a seeker. May this #GuruPurnima you become receptive to your Guru’s grace. Tributes to all the great Guru’s of this land. High time, we have a holiday on this very significant day. pic.twitter.com/43NxwS2iQL

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 27, 2018

Greetings and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of #GuruPurnima . I am fondly remembering & saluting all my gurus ( parents, teachers, coaches, seniors & friends) who guided & inspired me to be a good human being. #गुरुपूर्णिमा #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/Kn7HnM5H1I

— Reetesh Sharma (@ReeteshSharma8) July 27, 2018