National Ayurveda Day
National Ayurveda Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting Ayurveda, India’s ancient medical system that focuses on holistic wellness through natural healing practices and sustainable approaches to health.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras)
- Tagged as: #AyurvedaDay #HarDinHarGharAyurveda
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalAyurvedaDay2024
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
History of National Ayurveda Day
The celebration began in 2016 when the Ministry of AYUSH declared Dhanvantari Jayanti as National Ayurveda Day. The day honors Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu deity of medicine and the god of Ayurveda, who emerged during Samudra Manthan with Amruta Kalasam and Ayurveda texts.
Timeline
- 2016: First National Ayurveda Day celebrated
- 2021: Theme focused on “Ayurveda for Poshan”
- 2022: Theme “Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda” introduced
- 2023: Theme “Ayurveda for One Health”
- 2024: Theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | October | 28 | Friday |
| 2017 | October | 29 | Sunday |
| 2018 | October | 28 | Monday |
| 2019 | October | 29 | Tuesday |
| 2020 | October | 29 | Thursday |
| 2021 | October | 29 | Friday |
Observed
The day is marked by various events, conferences, workshops, and awareness programs across India and globally. Over 150 countries participate in the celebrations, featuring free health camps, medicine distribution, and educational seminars.
Fun Facts About Ayurveda Day
The All India Institute of Ayurveda serves as the nodal agency for celebrations, organizing nationwide activities and programs. The government honors contributors to Ayurvedic research with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award, which includes a citation, trophy, and ₹5 Lakh cash prize.
Quiz
- Who is considered the father of Ayurveda?
- When was the first National Ayurveda Day celebrated?
- What is the theme for 2024?
(Answers: Charak, October 28, 2016, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”)
FAQs
- What is Dhanvantari Jayanti?
- Why do we celebrate Ayurveda Day?
- How is Ayurveda Day celebrated?
Related
- World Health Day
- International Yoga Day
- Traditional Medicine Day
- Global Ayurveda Festival
- AYUSH Day