Teachers’ Day vs Guru Purnima: Same Or Different? Know Key Differences Here
Teachers' Day is just around the corner, and students are gearing up to celebrate this special day to honour their teachers. But there is already another Hindu festival called Guru Purnima, which celebrates teachers. What is the difference between Teachers' Day and Guru Purnima? Know all about both events here.
Teachers’ Day Vs Guru Purnima: Key Differences
| Teachers' Day | Guru Purnima | |
| Date | September 5 | Full moon day in month of Ashadha (June–July) |
| Origin | Since 1962, to celebrate birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan | Since ancient time, to honour Maharishi Ved Vyasa |
| Dedicated To | To Dr. Radhakrishan, the second President of India and to honour contribution of teachers | To Maharishi Ved Vyasa and to honour guru, mentors and teachers |
| Religions | Secular, all religions in India celebrate this | Hinduism, Buddhist, Jain |
| Nature | National and formal | Religious and Spiritual |
| Traditions | Celebrated in schools and colleges | Puja at home and at schools |
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What Is Teachers’ Day And Why Is It Celebrated?
Teachers' Day is celebrated in India on September 5 every year, and it also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President and a renowned teacher.
September 5th is remarked as Teachers' Day due to Dr Radhakrishnan's request to honour the teachers and their contribution.
When Dr Radhakrishnan became the President of India, his students reportedly approached him to celebrate his birthday. Instead of celebrating his birthday, he said that the day should be recognised as Teachers' Day in India to honour teachers in India. Since 1962, September 5th is recognised as Teachers' Day.
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What Is Guru Purnima And Why Is It Celebrated?
Guru Purnima is also a festival to honour teachers and mentors and express gratitude towards them for their contribution.
The word 'Guru' comes from Sanskrit, where 'gu' means darkness and 'ru' means remover of that darkness. Meanwhile, Purnima means full moon day. This auspicious day is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha (June-July).
It also celebrates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who compiled Vedas and wrote the epic saga of Mahabharata and Puranas.
Conclusion:
It is safe to say that whether you celebrate Teachers' Day or Guru Purnima, both of them honour teachers and mentors and recognise their guidance.
(Image Credits: Magnific)
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- Are Teachers' Day and Guru Purnima same?
- No, they are different. Guru Purnima is a religious festival honouring spiritual gurus and teachers, while Teachers' Day is a national observance honouring academic teachers.
- Who started Teachers' Day in India?
- Teachers' Day was started in 1962 to honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birth anniversary and recognise the contributions of teachers.
- What is the significance of Guru Purnima?
- Guru Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who compiled the four Vedas and Mahabharata and is considered the first Guru.
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