In a landmark decision to enhance global visibility and streamline observance, the Government of India has officially declared 23rd September as Ayurveda Day, starting from 2025. The change was formally notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025, replacing the earlier practice of celebrating Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras—a date based on the Hindu lunar calendar that varies each year.

Ayurveda Day is observed to promote Ayurveda as a holistic, scientific, and preventive healthcare system. Until now, it coincided with Dhanteras in the month of Kartik, typically falling between October and November. However, due to the fluctuating nature of the lunar calendar, organizing consistent national and international observances became increasingly challenging.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Ayush constituted a dedicated committee to explore alternative fixed dates. After evaluating four possible options, 23rd September was selected based on both practical and symbolic merit.

The date aligns with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal—a natural balance that perfectly reflects the core Ayurvedic philosophy of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. The equinox also symbolizes equilibrium in the universe, reinforcing Ayurveda's emphasis on living in sync with nature.

The Ministry encourages health professionals, institutions, and international bodies to actively observe Ayurveda Day on 23rd September each year, creating a unified global movement around India’s ancient wellness system.

Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, welcomed the move, stating, “It’ll make Ayurveda treatment a more familiar one and enhance people’s will towards Ayurveda.” She added, “Me and Ayushakti extend our gratitude for upholding the 2500-year-old lineage of the Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda that is healing millions.”

With this strategic shift, the Ministry aims to embed Ayurveda more deeply into global healthcare dialogues, strengthening India's presence in preventive and sustainable medicine on the world stage.