Ayurveda Day Gets New Date: No Longer Celebrated on Dhanteras, Centre Announces

Ayurveda Day 2025: In an important shift from the previous custom of celebrating Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras, the Union government has declared Tuesday, September 23, to be the new Ayurveda Day. This change marks an important development in India’s commitment to Ayurveda. The Ministry of Ayush stated that a Gazette Notification dated March 23 was used to announce the modification.

When is Ayurveda Day?

As per the recent Gazette Notification published by the Ministry of Ayush, India will be celebrating its Ayurveda Day on March 23, as opposed to Dhanteras. Earlier, the Ayurvaeda Day continuously changed according to the Hindu Calendar, but with this decision, now a specific day has been fixed to celebrate India’s ancient medical practice.

The government referred to the date shift as "historic" and stated that it will increase "the worldwide awareness and coherence" of Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old treatment system that is based on traditional knowledge and sustainable living.

Why did the Centre Change Ayurveda Date?

Notably, the Hindu holiday of Dhanteras is celebrated during the month of Kartik, which is often October or November. The Ministry stated that because its date varies annually, planning national and worldwide Ayurveda Day celebrations presents logistical difficulties.

Furthermore, the date of Dhanteras would continue to fluctuate greatly between October 15 and November 12 during the next ten years.

In order to address this, the Ministry assembled a team of experts who recommended creating a consistent focal point for Ayurvedic celebrations both domestically and internationally. One of the four suggested dates was September 23.

The Ministry stated that "both practical and symbolic considerations guided this decision."

Why September 23 for Ayurveda Day?

The date of choice, September 23, falls on the autumnal equinox, when day and night are almost equal. This astronomical occurrence represents harmony in the natural world, which is entirely consistent with the Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasizes harmony among the mind, body, and spirit. The ministry also stated that the equinox, which symbolizes cosmic harmony, emphasizes the core of Ayurveda, which is living in tune with nature.

Purpose of Ayurveda Day

National Ayurveda Day was first observed by the Ministry of Ayush in 2016 in honor of the Hindu god of medicine Dhanvantari's birth anniversary. Ayurveda Day was observed for the first time on October 28, 2016.

"The purpose of Ayurveda Day is to raise awareness of Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic medical system that is essential to wellness and preventive healthcare," the Ministry stated.