Ayurveda Day

Ayurveda Day, also known as National Ayurveda Day, is observed every year in India and worldwide on the occasion of the birthday of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine. The Puranas mentioned him as the deity of Ayurveda. In 2016, the Government of India's Ministry of Ayush declared the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari as National Ayurveda Day. The first Ayurveda Day was first celebrated on 28 October 2016.

The importance of Ayurveda day can be understood in the following terms :


 * 1) Celebrating Ancient Wisdom: Ayurveda Day honors the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizing holistic well-being and natural healing.
 * 2) Dhanvantari’s Birthday: The day coincides with Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), celebrating the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician.
 * 3) Global Awareness: Ayurveda Day aims to promote and globalize Ayurveda as one of the most ancient and holistic approaches to medicine worldwide.
 * 4) Free Health Camps: Educational institutes, colleges, and hospitals organize free health camps and provide medicines to raise awareness.
 * 5) Inauguration of AIIA, New Delhi: On Ayurveda Day in 2017, the All India Institute of Ayurveda was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
 * 6) National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award: The government honours contributors to Ayurvedic treatment and research with this award.
 * 7) Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda Quiz: Launched in 2022, this quiz aims to create awareness about Ayurveda.
 * 8) 2021 Theme: Ayurveda for Poshan (Nutrition): Focused on promoting Ayurvedic principles of wellness and healing.
 * 9) Ayurveda for One Health (2023): The theme for 2023 emphasizes Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and well-being.
 * 10) Ancient Wisdom, Modern Relevance: Ayurveda Day reminds us of the timeless wisdom that continues to enrich lives globally.

History
National Ayurveda Day was first observed in India on the 28th October 2016 to mark the day of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). It is observed to promote Ayurveda as one of the most ancient and holistic approaches to medicine globally. Various education institutes, colleges and hospitals organize free health camps and provide free medicines to celebrate Ayurveda Day.

In October 2016, on Ayurveda Day, the first All India Institute of Ayurveda was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The government also honors people who contributed to Ayurvedic treatment and research on Ayurveda Day with 'National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award' every year. The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards consist of a citation, trophy (Statue of Dhanwantari) and cash prize of ₹5 Lakh.

In 2022, the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi launched the 'Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda Quiz' on the MyGov platform to create awareness about Ayurveda. In 2022, it was celebrated on 23 October. In 2021, the day was celebrated with a theme titled 'Ayurveda for Poshan (Nutrition) on November 2, 2021, to promote the Ayurvedic principles of wellness and healing.