India Celebrates Dhanvantari Jayanti & National Ayurveda Day — Honouring the Ancient Science of Healing

The fragrance of sandalwood and the chants of Dhanvantari Stotram filled Ayurvedic institutions and temples across India as the nation celebrated Dhanvantari Jayanti, the divine birthday of Lord Dhanvantari — the celestial physician and the god of Ayurveda. The occasion also marked the observance of National Ayurveda Day, highlighting India’s 5,000-year-old medical heritage and its modern-day relevance in holistic health and wellness.

From Mythology to Modern Medicine

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic ocean churning), holding the pot of Amrit — the nectar of immortality — and the sacred texts of Ayurveda. Symbolically, this act represents the eternal quest for health, balance, and longevity — ideals that Ayurveda continues to embody even in the 21st century.

This year’s celebrations carried the theme “Ayurveda for People & Planet,” a message that goes beyond personal wellness to embrace planetary health — sustainable living, herbal conservation, and eco-friendly healing practices.

Nationwide Celebrations

From Kerala to Kashmir, and Gujarat to Guwahati, Dhanvantari Jayanti was celebrated with traditional fervour. In Visakhapatnam, the Sri Prakash AYUSH Charitable & Research Trust conducted a grand Dhanvantari Homam and cultural performances. Renowned spiritual speaker Chaganti Koteswara Rao delivered a discourse on the importance of discipline and inner balance, while veteran Ayurvedic physician Dr. K. Ravindran was honoured for his decades of service in traditional medicine.

Across Kerala, government Ayurveda colleges and private wellness centres held free health camps, yoga sessions, and herbal awareness drives, reaffirming Ayurveda’s motto — Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam — “to maintain the health of the healthy and to cure the diseased.”

A New Chapter for Ayurveda Day

In a notable update, the Ministry of Ayush has officially announced that National Ayurveda Day will now be observed every year on 23 September, giving it a fixed calendar identity instead of varying with the lunar date of Dhanvantari Jayanti. The ministry believes this move will help align the day with international health observances and promote global awareness about Ayurveda.

Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in his statement, said:

“Ayurveda represents India’s timeless contribution to world health. As we move towards sustainable living and preventive care, Ayurveda offers a path that connects human well-being with the health of our planet.”

Healing Through Harmony

Experts say the celebration this year focused not just on rituals but also on education and outreach — bridging traditional wisdom with modern research. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) showcased studies validating classical formulations like Laksha Guggulu and Pravala Pishti for bone and joint health, while universities conducted lectures on integrating Ayurveda with nutrition and mental wellness.

Ayurvedic doctors emphasized daily lifestyle practices such as yoga, herbal diets, oil massage (Abhyanga), and stress management as simple yet profound tools for disease prevention.

A Cultural and Scientific Renaissance

With growing global interest in traditional medicine and integrative healthcare, India’s Ayurveda ecosystem is witnessing a quiet renaissance. From digital wellness apps to research-backed herbal supplements, Ayurveda is steadily finding its space alongside modern medical systems.

As lamps were lit before the image of Lord Dhanvantari across temples and hospitals, one message echoed everywhere — “Healing is not just a cure; it’s a way of life.”

🪔 In Essence

• Occasion: Dhanvantari Jayanti & National Ayurveda Day 2025

• Theme: “Ayurveda for People & Planet”

• Key Highlight: Ayurveda Day to be celebrated every year on 23 September

• Events: Homams, health camps, awareness drives, and awards for Ayurveda practitioners

• Message: Ayurveda blends spiritual wisdom and scientific validation to create a sustainable, holistic approach to health.