The Government of India has established September 23rd as Ayurveda Day annually, replacing its earlier observance during Dhanteras. This decision aims to streamline celebrations by providing a consistent date each year. The shift acknowledges concerns over Dhanteras' variable date between October and November, posing logistical issues for global observances. Chosen for its alignment with the autumnal equinox—a symbol of nature's balance—this new date underscores the Ayurvedic value of equilibrium in body, mind, and environment. Expected to enhance Ayurveda's visibility globally, this policy encourages stakeholders including healthcare professionals, academics, and international partners to actively participate in promoting a preventive and sustainable approach to health management through annual celebrations on September 23rd.
Key Entities Referenced
AYUSH Ayurveda Day: Annual event to promote Ayurveda, now to be celebrated on September 23rd.
23rd September: The fixed date designated for celebrating Ayurveda Day each year.
13 MAY 2025: Date of the press release about the change in Ayurveda Day observance.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the source of the notification.
Government of India: The governing body that made the decision to change the date of Ayurveda Day.
Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025: Official notification formalizing the change in the Ayurveda Day date.
Dhanteras: The previous date of observance for Ayurveda Day, a festival in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Hindu month of Kartik: The month in which Dhanteras is observed, typically October or November.
October: A month when Dhanteras is observed.
November: A month when Dhanteras is observed.
Ministry of Ayush: The Indian government ministry responsible for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
15th October and 12th November: The range of dates within which Dhanteras would vary in the coming decade.
autumnal equinox: The astronomical event that coincides with the newly designated date for Ayurveda Day (September 23rd).
MVAKS Release ID: 2128442: Release Identification number.
AYUSH
Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on 23rd September
Every Year
Posted On: 13 MAY 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing global visibility and consistency in observance, the Government of
India has designated 23rd September as the date for celebrating Ayurveda Day each year. This change,
notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025, marks 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 to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and
holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness. Until now,
Ayurveda Day coincided with Dhanteras, a festival observed in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October
or November). However, as the date of Dhanteras fluctuates each year, the observance of Ayurveda Day
lacked a fixed annual date.
The Ministry also noted that in the coming decade, the date of Dhanteras would continue to vary widely
between 15th October and 12th November posing logistical challenges for organizing national and
international observances.
To address this inconsistency and establish a stable reference point for national and global celebrations, the
Ministry of Ayush constituted a committee to examine suitable alternatives. The expert panel proposed four
potential dates, with 23rd September emerging as the preferred choice. This decision was guided by both
practical and symbolic considerations.
The chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly
equal. This astronomical event symbolizes balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the Ayurvedic
philosophy that emphasizes equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. The equinox, representing cosmic
harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda—living in balance with nature.
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.***
MV/AKS
(Release ID: 2128442)