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Ever felt like someone handed you the steering wheel after teaching you how to drive… in music or dance?
That person, whether in a crisp white kurta or a hoodie with coffee stains, is your guru.
And once a year, we pause to say thank you.
Not with a long speech (they'd probably interrupt us halfway), but with love, effort, and maybe a perfectly tuned alaap or an extra-clean footwork sequence.
What is Guru Purnima, Really?
Let’s go back a little. Guru Purnima has roots in ancient India. It falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (usually June–July), and it’s traditionally celebrated to honor our teachers, not just academic ones, but spiritual, artistic, life-shaping ones.
According to legend, Guru Purnima marks the birth of Ved Vyasa, the sage who compiled the Vedas, authored the Mahabharata, and classified Hindu scriptures. That’s why he’s honored as the Adi Guru, the original teacher who made spiritual wisdom accessible.
This day is now about thanking anyone who lights your way, especially when that path is filled with taals, swaras, and endless “once more, beta”s.
Because let’s face it, in music and dance, gurus don’t just teach technique. They shape how you breathe, how you think, and how you feel your art.
A Guru Purnima Playlist
Songs that feel like a hug. Or a nudge. Or a late-night raag suggestion from your teacher. Each one is here for a reason, and you can actually learn them, play them, dedicate them.
🎶 1. Albela Sajan Aayo Re – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
A soulful blend of classical raags rooted in tradition, yet cinematic. If your Guruji sends you 3-hour raag recordings at 1 AM, this one’s for them. Their love for music is so deep, it pulls you in too. Learn to sing it, and surprise your Guru with your sur and melody. 🎸 Or try a mellow instrumental cover on the keys or guitar.
🎶 2. Roobaroo – Rang De Basanti
A song that says: “You’ve changed, and it shows.” Perfect for that mentor who lit a quiet fire in you. 🎤 Cover this song on guitar and share it with your guru, they'll smile, guaranteed.
🎶 3. “bum bum bole” - Taare Zameen Par
For the guru who imitates you to correct you. You learn, you laugh, and weirdly, you remember it forever. Prepare a dance performance for your Guru or sing it on guitar.
🎶 4. Zinda – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
For the guru who pushed you hard and you’re grateful now. Turn it into a guitar piece or fusion choreography. Perform it. Let them know you kept going.
🎶 5. Tera Yaar Hoon Main – Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
For the guru who felt more like a friend. Who cracked jokes but showed up when it mattered.🎤 Sing this as a duet with your music buddy and tag your teacher in the video. 🎧 Or send a heartfelt voice note with this song playing softly in the back.
🎶 6. Sham – Aisha
Soft, unhurried, comforting. Like that one teacher who never raised their voice, and still changed everything. 🎸 Pick up a ukulele or guitar and try the chords. Keep it raw. Keep it simple.
🎶 7. O Re Piya – Aaja Nachle
For those deep, immersive teachers who made you feel every note or movement.💃 Dance to it with full expression, or dedicate an abhinaya piece.
🎤 Try singing this one with a focus on dynamics, slow, deep, full voice.
🎶 8. Chale Chalo – Lagaan
This one’s for the “One more time!” gurus, the ones who gave you stamina and stage presence.
👯♀️ Great for a fun dance piece with your batchmates as a dedication.
🥁 Or try turning it into a percussion jam, bonus if your guru joins in!
🎶 9. Piya Tose Naina Laage Re – Guide
Expression. Detail. Storytelling. This one’s for gurus who correct even the smallest eyebrow lift.
💃 Try a beautiful semi-classical number to perform and gift.
🎧 Or break down the lyrics and explore its raag with your own interpretation.
🎶 10. Jhoom – Ali Zafar (Coke Studio)
For the teacher who makes everything feel effortless, but you know how much heart it takes. 🎸 Try a modern classical fusion piece 🎤 Or sing it unplugged and dedicate it to your Guru with just your voice.
💬 So What Can You Do This Guru Purnima?
You don’t need a fancy post or a grand gesture. Just:
🎶 Learn one of these songs
💃 Dedicate a performance to your guru
📞 Drop them a thank you voice note (they’ll probably play it thrice)
Or tag them in a reel that says, “I still remember what you taught me.”
Because being a student isn’t just about attending class,
It’s about remembering who made you fall in love with learning.
Happy Guru Purnima!