Ayurveda Day To Be Marked Annually On Sept 23 From 2025: Prataprao Jadhav

The Government has formalised September 23 as the fixed annual date to observe Ayurveda Day beginning in 2025, a landmark decision aimed at giving India’s ancient healthcare system a distinct place on the global calendar.

Announcing the theme for this year’s celebrations — “Ayurveda for People & Planet” — Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, underlined Ayurveda’s holistic vision that extends beyond healthcare to encompass harmony between individuals and the environment.

“Ayurveda is not merely a system of healthcare but a life science rooted in the interconnection between the individual and nature,” Mr. Jadhav said. “By assigning a fixed date to Ayurveda Day, India has provided Ayurveda a universal calendar identity. The theme reflects our collective resolve to harness Ayurveda’s potential for global wellbeing and ecological balance.”

The Ministry of Ayush has emphasised that the 2025 theme underscores India’s commitment to promoting holistic health alongside environmental sustainability, aligning traditional knowledge with contemporary challenges.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the increasing global significance of Ayurveda Day, which has grown into a worldwide movement since its inception in 2016. He pointed to findings from the first-ever all-India National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) survey on AYUSH systems, conducted between July 2022 and June 2023, which confirmed Ayurveda as the most widely used traditional medicine system in both rural and urban India.

The survey revealed that nearly 95% of Indians aged 15 and above are aware of AYUSH systems — encompassing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy — with slightly higher awareness in urban areas (96%) compared to rural (95%). It also found that Ayurveda is predominantly used for rejuvenation and preventive healthcare, with therapeutic use also prominent.

The NSSO data highlighted that, on average, rural Indians spend Rs. 472 annually on alternative medicine, while their urban counterparts spend Rs. 574, reflecting a steady embrace of traditional wellness practices across demographic segments.

To mark Ayurveda Day, the Ministry has a slew of programmes planned, ranging from extensive awareness campaigns and youth engagement programmes to wellness consultations and international collaborations.

The World Health Organization's inclusion of Ayurveda in its Traditional Medicine Strategy in 2022 has paved the way for its adoption in more than 30 national healthcare policies. As consumer preferences shift towards holistic and sustainable health solutions, Ayurveda stands to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global wellness.

However, challenges remain. According to various reports, despite its growing popularity, Ayurveda faces obstacles in standardisation and regulation. In 2024, over 68% of countries offering Ayurvedic services lacked standardised certification or quality control frameworks, creating challenges in establishing international credibility. Additionally, the absence of consistent global regulatory standards for Ayurvedic products can hinder market entry and consumer trust, reports say.