In a significant move to streamline observance and bolster global recognition of India’s traditional medicinal heritage, the Government of India has officially designated September 23 as National Ayurveda Day. This fixed date replaces the previously variable observance aligned with Dhanteras, a festival based on the lunar calendar that often shifted between mid-October and mid-November.
A Shift from Tradition for Global Consistency
Ayurveda Day has historically been celebrated on Dhanteras, a Hindu festival marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations. While deeply symbolic, this alignment posed practical challenges due to the shifting lunar dates, making it difficult to organize international events and campaigns around the observance.
To overcome these limitations, the Ministry of Ayush, tasked with promoting traditional systems of medicine in India, constituted an expert committee to evaluate the feasibility of a fixed date. After considering four potential alternatives, September 23 was unanimously selected. This decision was formally ratified through a Gazette Notification issued on March 23, 2025.
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Why September 23?
The choice of September 23 is not arbitrary. This date typically coincides with the autumnal equinox, an astronomical event when day and night are nearly of equal length. Symbolically, the equinox embodies balance—an idea that lies at the very heart of Ayurveda. Ayurveda, which translates to “the science of life,” is built around the concept of achieving harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
The autumnal equinox, with its natural balance of light and dark, serves as a fitting metaphor for this ancient health system’s core philosophy. According to the Ministry, this alignment not only offers practical benefits for scheduling but also reinforces the deeper meaning of Ayurveda in syncing human health with the natural rhythms of the universe.
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A Step Towards Global Outreach
With Ayurveda gaining traction worldwide as a holistic, evidence-based approach to health and wellness, the move to a fixed date is expected to give greater global visibility to the annual celebrations. It will also facilitate the participation of international stakeholders, including researchers, wellness experts, and health organisations.
“This is more than just a date change. It’s a strategic shift to integrate Ayurveda more effectively into global wellness discourse,” the Ministry stated. Fixed annual observances help foster consistency in public awareness campaigns, academic symposiums, wellness fairs, and educational outreach.
Calls for Participation and Awareness
The Ministry of Ayush is urging educational institutions, health practitioners, yoga centers, and global partners to actively engage with the new Ayurveda Day observance each year on September 23. The ministry aims to leverage the day to highlight Ayurveda’s contributions to preventive healthcare, lifestyle medicine, and sustainable well-being.
Ayurveda has seen a resurgence in recent years, both in India and abroad, as people turn toward more natural and integrative approaches to health. From herbal treatments and dietary recommendations to yoga and meditation, its multi-faceted approach offers a rich framework for achieving holistic wellness.
Bottomline
By anchoring Ayurveda Day to a fixed, globally relevant date, India is reinforcing its commitment to not only preserve but also propagate its ancient medical wisdom on the world stage. September 23 now stands as an annual reminder of the timeless relevance of Ayurveda—and its message of balance, prevention, and natural living.