Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of natural healing centered around harmony between body, mind, and environment, is entering a new chapter of recognition and celebration. Since 2016, Ayurveda Day has been celebrated annually to promote this traditional wisdom. In a landmark decision, the Government of India has now declared that Ayurveda Day will be observed on a fixed date—23 September—starting from 2025. This change, formalized through a Gazette Notification issued in March 2025, gives Ayurveda a universal calendar identity, enabling more consistent and widespread participation across India and globally.
Why the date 23 September?
Ayurveda Day was traditionally celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), a date based on the lunar calendar that varies each year between mid-October and early November. This variability posed logistical challenges for event planning and global coordination. The government’s decision to fix Ayurveda Day on 23 September marks a significant alignment with the autumnal equinox—a natural event where day and night are nearly equal, symbolising balance in nature. This symbolism harmonises perfectly with Ayurveda’s core philosophy of maintaining balance between the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), mind, and environment.
Theme of Ayurveda Day 2025: “Ayurveda for People & Planet”
The theme for the first fixed-date Ayurveda Day in 2025 is “Ayurveda for People & Planet”. This theme highlights Ayurveda’s integral role in promoting holistic well-being while fostering ecological balance. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush and Health & Family Welfare, emphasised Ayurveda as a science of life rooted in harmony with the environment. The Ministry of Ayush’s Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, noted that Ayurveda is the most commonly used treatment system across India, supported by national health surveys, and that the theme reinforces a commitment to holistic health and environmental sustainability.
Milestones: Setting the Stage for 2025 Celebration
The 9th Ayurveda Day in 2024 saw several key initiatives:
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Inauguration of Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.
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Launch of four Centres of Excellence in Ayurveda.
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Nationwide campaign “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan” encouraging natural constitution-based health assessments.
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Other health initiatives are collectively worth approximately ₹12,850 crore.
These foundations demonstrate the government’s vision to elevate Ayurveda as a frontline healthcare solution.
What Ayurveda Day 2025 Means for India and the World
Moving Ayurveda Day to a fixed date is not just symbolic; it carries practical benefits:
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Enables consistent nationwide and international celebrations each year without date confusion.
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Facilitates easier planning of awareness campaigns, wellness consultations, and youth engagement programs across India.
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Strengthens Ayurveda’s position as a scientific, evidence-based system addressing lifestyle disorders, climate-related diseases, and mental stress.
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Encourages international collaborations by giving Ayurveda a global calendar identity, observed in over 150 countries.
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Provides opportunities for states like Jharkhand to integrate Indigenous healing traditions with Ayurveda promotion for local community health.
Key Points About Ayurveda Day 23 September
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Official fixed annual date starting in 2025 by Government of India Gazette Notification.
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Aligns with the autumnal equinox, representing balance in nature, a central Ayurvedic principle.
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Replaces the variable date tradition of celebration on Dhanteras, simplifying event organisation.
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The 2025 theme, “Ayurveda for People & Planet”, reflects Ayurveda’s holistic healthcare and ecological balance.
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Part of India’s broader mission to globalise Ayurveda and encourage public awareness, research, and quality assurance.
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Ayurveda is recognised as a preventive, sustainable healthcare system promoting the well-being of people and the planet.
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Serves as a platform for youth education, public health initiatives, and international partnerships.
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Offers a steady date for wellness centres, educational institutions, and Ayurveda researchers to plan annual events.
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Symbolically timed to help discuss seasonal health practices like immunity boosting and detoxification.
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Reinforces India’s leadership in traditional healthcare and soft power globally.
Ayurveda and Jharkhand: A Natural Fit
Jharkhand, with its rich tribal culture and close connection to nature, stands to benefit immensely from the amplified focus on Ayurveda. The fixed date presents opportunities for state health authorities and local wellness centres to deepen Ayurveda’s reach and application, enhancing preventive healthcare and well-being in rural and urban communities alike.
Conclusion: Embracing Ayurveda’s Universal Role
By setting Ayurveda Day on a fixed date of 23 September annually, India has taken a bold step to secure Ayurveda’s place as a globally recognised, scientifically respected healthcare system rooted in ancient wisdom. This fixed date ensures greater participation, improved coordination, and stronger international visibility. Ayurveda Day serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of Ayurveda’s immense potential to contribute to healthier lives in harmony with nature and the planet.
As the world welcomes this milestone, the hope is that more people will embrace Ayurveda’s timeless knowledge for holistic wellness, sustainable living, and ecological balance.
