SYLLABUS

GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 

Context:

Ayurveda Day henceforth will be celebrated on 23 September annually, replacing its earlier observance on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras).

More on the News

• This change, aimed at enhancing global visibility and consistency in observance and marking a significant shift from the earlier practice of observing Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras, which follows a variable lunar calendar.
• Ayurveda Day has been commemorated annually since 2016, to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness.
• The theme for 2025 is "Ayurveda for People & Planet," reflecting, the collective resolve to harness the full potential of Ayurveda for global wellbeing and a healthier planet.

Ayurveda

• It is an ancient holistic system of medicine from India, translating to "the science of life". 
• It focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit with nature to promote overall health and prevent illness by using lifestyle changes, nutrition, and natural treatments like herbs.

Key reasons for choosing 23 September 

• 23 September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal, representing cosmic harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda living in balance with nature. 
• This decision was guided by both practical and symbolic considerations.
• Ayurveda Day, since its inception in 2016 has been celebrated on Dhanteras, a festival based on the lunar calendar, which varies each year (between mid-October and mid-November) thus creating logistical challenges for organising national and international events.
• A stable and universal date was required to give Ayurveda Day global visibility, ensure planning consistency, and facilitate wider international participation.
• The Ministry of Ayush views this shift as an opportunity to position Ayurveda in global health narratives and highlight its enduring role as a preventive and sustainable healthcare system.

Key Significances of Ayurveda Day 

• Ayurveda Day highlights Ayurveda’s role in preventing diseases, promoting balance of body, mind, and spirit, and advancing a holistic wellness approach aligned with global health priorities.
• The day emphasises Ayurveda’s role in addressing lifestyle disorders, climate-linked diseases, and ecological balance, aligning health with environmental sustainability.
• Since 2016, Ayurveda Day has evolved into an international movement, celebrated in 150 countries with growing institutional support, reinforcing its status as India’s most widely practiced healthcare system and an emerging force in global wellness.

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2160853 https://ayush.gov.in/resources/pdf/PressRelease/Ayurveda_Day_to_Be_Celebrated_on_23rd_September_Every_Year.pdf