New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) — The Ministry of Ayush has officially designated September 23 as Ayurveda Day, giving the ancient health science a fixed date and a stronger global presence.
Until now, Ayurveda Day was observed on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). For the first time since its launch in 2016, it will be celebrated annually on a set date, as per a Gazette notification issued by the Government of India in March 2025.
“Ayurveda is not merely a healthcare system; it is a science of life rooted in harmony between individuals and nature. Assigning September 23 as Ayurveda Day provides it with a universal calendar identity,” said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush.
The 2025 celebration will be held under the theme “Ayurveda for People & Planet”, reflecting a commitment to leverage Ayurveda for holistic well-being and environmental sustainability.
Since its inception, Ayurveda Day has grown into a global movement showcasing India’s traditional knowledge systems. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, noted that the first all-India NSSO survey confirmed Ayurveda as the most widely used treatment system across both rural and urban regions. The 2025 theme, he said, highlights the focus on promoting holistic health and ecological balance.
The 9th Ayurveda Day (2024) marked a milestone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi. On the occasion, PM Modi launched four Centres of Excellence and rolled out the “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan” along with other health initiatives worth about Rs 12,850 crore.
Building on this momentum, Ayurveda Day 2025 aims to position Ayurveda as a modern solution to global challenges like lifestyle diseases, climate-related health issues and stress management. Planned activities include awareness drives, youth programmes, wellness consultations, and international collaborations coordinated by the Ministry and its partner institutions.
In 2024, Ayurveda Day saw events in nearly 150 countries, underscoring its expanding worldwide appeal.