In Sanatan Dharma, the festival of Guru Purnima is considered a special occasion to express faith, respect and gratitude towards one’s Guru. In the year 2026, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 29. This day falls on the full moon day of Ashadh month and is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyas. According to religious beliefs, auspicious results are obtained by worshiping Guru, remembering Lord Vishnu and doing charity on this day. According to the scriptures, donating as per one’s devotion and capacity on the day of Guru Purnima is considered a virtuous act. However, donation should always be given selflessly and to a deserving person only. Let us know about those five things whose donation is considered auspicious on this day.
**food donation**
In religious texts, food donation has been described as ‘Mahadan’ (the highest form of charity). It is believed that donating food, grains or fruits to the needy on the day of Guru Purnima brings blessings of Lord Vishnu and Guru. This act is considered one of the most sacred forms of charity.
**yellow clothes**
Lord Vishnu and Devguru Jupiter (Guru) are associated with yellow color. Therefore, donating yellow clothes, yellow colored blouses or clothes to the needy on this day is considered auspicious. There is a religious belief that this brings positivity, happiness and prosperity in a person’s life.
**Religious books or educational materials**
Guru Purnima is a festival dedicated to knowledge. Therefore, donating religious texts, books, notebooks, pens or other educational materials on this day is considered auspicious. It is believed that doing this brings blessings for the attainment of knowledge and enlightenment.
**Turmeric, gram flour and yellow sweets**
According to astrological beliefs, yellow things are related to the planet Jupiter. Therefore, donating turmeric, gram flour, gram flour laddu or other yellow sweets is considered auspicious.
**Dakshina and service to Guru**
If there is any Guru, teacher or guide in your life, then it is considered auspicious to give them Dakshina, clothes, books or any useful gift with reverence as per your capacity. There is a religious belief that serving and respecting the Guru leads to knowledge, success and auspicious results.
What should be done on the day of Guru Purnima?
After taking bath in the morning, remember Lord Vishnu and Maharishi Vedvyas.
Respect your Guru or teachers and seek their blessings.
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Guru Mantra.
Help the needy.
Donate as per your capacity.
According to astrologer and horoscope expert Dr. Anish Vyas, donation made on the day of Guru Purnima is considered meaningful only if it is done with a sense of service and devotion instead of ego. He says that on this day, respecting the Guru, respecting knowledge and helping the needy is considered very auspicious from the spiritual point of view.