The Government of India has officially announced that Ayurveda Day will be observed every year on September 23, beginning in 2025. The decision, formalized through a Gazette Notification issued in March 2025, marks a significant shift from the earlier practice of celebrating the day on Dhanvantari Jayanti. By fixing the date, the government aims to give Ayurveda a global calendar identity and encourage broader participation both within India and worldwide.
The theme for Ayurveda Day 2025 is “Ayurveda for People & Planet”, underscoring the traditional system’s holistic approach to human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said Ayurveda is not just a healthcare system but a life science rooted in nature’s balance. “By designating September 23 as Ayurveda Day, India has provided Ayurveda with a global calendar identity. The 2025 theme reflects our collective resolve to harness its potential for both human health and a healthier planet,” he remarked.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the growing global acceptance of Ayurveda since the observance was first introduced in 2016. He pointed out that Ayurveda is now practiced widely across India, in both rural and urban areas, a fact reinforced by the first all-India NSSO survey. He added that the 2025 celebrations will further strengthen Ayurveda’s role in promoting preventive healthcare, ecological balance, and holistic wellbeing.
Building on past milestones, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of health projects worth ₹12,850 crore on Ayurveda Day 2024, this year’s observance will be celebrated on a larger scale. The Ministry of Ayush is planning a wide range of programmes, such as:
Awareness campaigns highlighting Ayurveda’s benefits
Wellness consultations for the public
Youth engagement initiatives to connect the younger generation with traditional knowledge
International collaborations, with participation expected from more than 150 countries, as in previous years
The government envisions Ayurveda Day 2025 as more than a ceremonial observance. It is intended to position Ayurveda as a solution to contemporary challenges—including lifestyle disorders, stress-related illnesses, and health issues linked to climate change—while promoting India’s ancient wisdom on a global platform.