Ayurveda Day

Ayurveda Day Latest News

The Government of India has declared that Ayurveda Day will now be observed annually on 23rd September, starting from 2025.

Why 23rd September?

• The date 23rd September coincides with the autumnal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal.
• This event represents balance in nature, aligning with the Ayurvedic principle of equilibrium among body, mind, and spirit.
• The symbolism of cosmic balance supports the holistic philosophy of Ayurveda, making the equinox a powerful metaphor for natural harmony and health.

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What is Ayurveda?

• The term ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from ‘Ayu’ (life) and ‘Veda’ (knowledge), meaning the “science of life.”
• Ayurveda deals with all forms of life and is divided into:
  • Nara Ayurveda – focused on human life and health,
  • Satva Ayurveda – deals with animal health and diseases,
  • Vriksha Ayurveda – focused on plant growth, health, and diseases.
• Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine but also a philosophy of living aimed at positive health and spiritual growth.

Structure and Practice of Ayurveda

• Ayurveda has both preventive and curative elements, with therapies adapted to individual, climatic, and environmental needs.
• Preventive aspects include: Strict hygiene protocols, lifestyle discipline, and seasonal regimens.
• Curative aspects involve: Herbal remedies, dietary therapy, external applications, and physiotherapy.
• Ayurveda advocates for personalised treatment, customised to the prakriti (constitution) and imbalances (doshas) of each individual.
• The Indian Medical Council Act of 1971 provides formal recognition to Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems, ensuring standardisation and regulation.

 Core Principles and Holistic Approach

• Ayurveda is based on the concept of the tridosha theory: Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (water & earth).
• The seven body tissues (dhatus) are: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra.
• Waste products (malas) include: Mala (feces), Mutra (urine), and Sweda (sweat).
• Health is defined as the balanced state of these doshas, dhatus, and malas.
• Disease arises from imbalance, and Ayurveda treats the root causes, not just the symptoms.

Ayurveda Day FAQs

Q1: What is Ayurveda Day?
Ans: Ayurveda Day is celebrated to promote the ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, and is observed on Dhanvantari Jayanti, during Dhanteras.

Q2: Which ministry organises Ayurveda Day celebrations?
Ans: The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) organizes Ayurveda Day in India.

Source: PIB