Guru Purnima, a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, falls on the full moon of which month?

Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Ashadha, which usually falls in June or July. It is a day dedicated to honouring teachers (gurus), both spiritual and academic, and is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

The word "guru" is often explained as coming from "gu" (darkness) and "ru" (remover), meaning one who removes the darkness of ignorance. For Hindus, Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima, as it is believed to be the birthday of the sage Veda Vyasa, who is traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas, writing the Mahabharata and composing the Puranas. He is regarded as the greatest of teachers (Adi Guru). On this day, disciples honour their gurus with prayers, offerings, flowers and gifts, and seek their blessings. In ashrams and monasteries, special prayers and gatherings are held. Students honour their teachers in schools and colleges.

For Buddhists, Guru Purnima marks the day on which the Buddha delivered his first sermon (the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta, or "Turning of the Wheel of Dharma") to his first five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath, near Varanasi, after attaining enlightenment. It is also called Asalha Puja in Buddhist countries. It marks the beginning of the rainy season retreat (vassa) of monks.

For Jains, the day honours the moment when Lord Mahavira accepted Gautama Swami (Indrabhuti Gautama) as his first chief disciple (ganadhara). It also marks the beginning of the Chaturmas, the four-month rainy season period in which Jain monks and nuns stay in one place.

In Indian classical music and dance, students honour their gurus on this day with performances and the ritual of "guru vandana".

Why not the other options?

• ✗Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Dev Deepawali.
• ✗Phalguna Purnima is the day of Holi.
• ✗Shravana Purnima is the day of Raksha Bandhan.