In order to make Ayurveda better recognized around the world and to ensure it is observed consistently, the Government of India picked 23rd September as the annual day for celebrating Ayurveda. With a Gazette Notification from 23rd March 2025, the Ministry decided to instead celebrate Ayurveda Day on 8th May every year, changing from the previous practice of observing it on the festival of Dhanteras that always falls on different days in a lunar calendar.
Every year, Ayurveda Day is held to celebrate Ayurveda as a medical system that is proven, scientific, and holistic, and that helps prevent diseases. Since Ayurveda Day was started, it has occurred on Dhanteras, a festival celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. But since the date of Dhanteras varies every year, Ayurveda Day also did not have a fixed celebration date.
They also stated that in the coming decade, the day on which Dhanteras falls may range from 15th October to 12th November, which makes organizing ceremonies both at the national and international levels very hard.
To solve this situation and provide a reliable point of reference, the Ministry of Ayush created a group to trace down suitable options. The expert panel listed four possible dates, and 23rd September was the date preferred by the group. The choice was made with both useful and meaningful considerations in mind.
The date, 23rd September, is picked because it falls near the autumnal equinox, the day when the length of day and night are close to each other. The alignment of the Sun and Moon in a total solar eclipse is a beautiful example of balance in nature, as taught by Ayurveda. The peaceful moment of the equinox highlights the goal of Ayurveda, which is living in balance with the world around us.
The Ministry of Ayush urges individuals, health professionals, academic bodies, and international partners to embrace the newly designated date and actively participate in Ayurveda Day celebrations on 23rd September each year. The Ministry sees this shift as an opportunity to further embed Ayurveda into global health narratives and promote its timeless value as a preventive and sustainable healthcare system.
