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National Ayurveda Day 2025
What’s the News?
- National Ayurveda Day is being celebrated on September 23, with this year’s theme being “Ayurveda for People & Planet”.
- This marks the 10th edition of the celebration, which has been given a fixed date for the first time by the Government of India, departing from the previous practice of observing it on Dhanvantari Jayanti.
- The theme highlights Ayurveda's contribution to holistic health and environmental sustainability, connecting individual well-being with ecological balance. The main event will be celebrated at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Goa.
“Ayurveda for People & Planet”
- The theme underscores that Ayurveda is not just a medical system but a life science rooted in the harmony between individuals and the environment.
- It aims to position Ayurveda as a sustainable, integrative global healthcare solution for modern challenges like lifestyle disorders and climate-related illnesses.
Major Launches & Campaigns
| Initiative | Purpose / Function |
|---|---|
| DRAVYA portal | Digital database of Ayurvedic ingredients, formulations, and resources. |
| APTA portal | Records contributions of eminent Ayurveda practitioners. |
| Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan | Community health assessment campaign using Ayurvedic parameters. |
| Integrative Oncology Unit (AIIA-Goa + Tata, etc.) | Combine Ayurvedic and modern oncology practices. |
| Infrastructure upgrades (Sterile supply, Linen unit, Blood storage, etc.) | Enhance hospital capabilities at AIIA Goa. |
Additional Info
- History of Ayurveda Day:
- The Ministry of AYUSH declared the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, as National Ayurveda Day in 2016.
- Since its inception, the day has been observed on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), which usually falls in October or November.
- The recent decision to fix the date to September 23 aims to provide Ayurveda with a consistent global calendar identity.
- Dhanvantari:
- Mentioned in the Puranas as the divine physician and the propounder of Ayurveda.
- His birthday, celebrated during the festival of Dhanteras, is considered an auspicious day for health and wealth.
- Ministry of AYUSH:
- Established in 2014, the ministry focuses on developing, educating, and researching in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
- It is instrumental in promoting traditional Indian medicine systems as a soft power of India on the global stage.
- Related Government Initiatives:
- National Ayush Mission (NAM): A centrally sponsored scheme to promote the AYUSH systems of medicine by providing better access to services, upgrading educational institutions, and enhancing quality of healthcare.
- Ayurswasthya Yojana: A scheme that provides financial assistance to organizations for upgrading facilities and undertaking research in the AYUSH sector.
- Medical Value Travel: The Ministry of AYUSH is actively promoting India as a hub for medical tourism, with Ayurveda and other traditional therapies being a major attraction.