From now on, Ayurveda Day to be celebrated on Sept 23 every year

For the first time since its inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day will be observed on a fixed date — September 23 — every year, as per notification issued by the Government of India. Previously, the day was celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). This year’s theme — Ayurveda for people and planet — reflects a growing global shift towards holistic health and sustainable living.

Tackling five lifestyle diseases with ayurveda

1. Diabetes — Managed through madhumeha protocols, including bitter herbs like karela and neem, mindful eating, managing stress and exercising to regulate blood sugar.

2. Hypertension — Controlled via stress-reducing therapies like shirodhara, breathing practices (pranayama), and herbs such as sarpagandha and arjuna.

3. Obesity — Addressed with lekhana (fat-reducing) therapies, detox routines (panchakarma), and metabolism-boosting spices like ginger and turmeric.

4. Anxiety & Depression — Treated holistically through mood-balancing herbs like brahmi, ashwagandha and jatamansi, alongside rituals that restore mental calm - abhyanga (oil massage), meditation and reconnecting with nature.

5. Digestive Disorders — Healed by balancing agni (digestive fire) using triphala, cumin and fennel and by cultivating mindful eating habits and regular meal timings.

City-based noted ayurveda physician and Professor at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Dr R Vatsyayan, said, “Ayurveda is no longer confined to tradition. It is increasingly backed by research and is becoming India’s soft power. With modern medicine excelling in infection control and surgery, the focus is now shifting to lifestyle-related diseases, where ayurveda offers preventive and restorative solutions.”

Dr Vatsyayan stressed on the need to integrate ayurveda into school curricula. “Children should grow up not just knowing their heritage, but also understand the value of positive health. Prevention through balanced diet, daily routine, and stress management must become our prime motive,” he said.

Dr Meenakshi Sharma, a practising ayurvedic consultant, echoed the same sentiments. “We see patients with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and anxiety — conditions that stem from poor lifestyle choices. Ayurveda doesn’t just treat symptoms, it restores balance. Even simple practices like dinacharya (daily routine) and abhyanga (oil massage) can transform health outcomes.”

For many city residents, ayurveda is becoming a way of life. Harpreet Kaur, a homemaker, who turned to ayurveda during the pandemic, shared, “I started with herbal teas and mindful eating. Over the time, I was able to sleep better, had improved digestion, and more energy. It’s not a quick fix solution — it’s a commitment to self-care.”

As ayurveda gains traction globally, government initiatives are expanding its outreach through wellness centres, research grants and international collaborations. Health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.