Ayurveda Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance

Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, has its roots in ancient India and continues to offer a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. As we prepare to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, this observance aligns with Dhanvantari Jayanti and brings together over 150 countries under the theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.” This year’s theme highlights Ayurveda’s potential to address global health issues, including non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health issues, and more.

Understanding Ayurveda: The Science of Life

The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words: “ayu” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), which together signify the “knowledge of life”. Ayurveda emphasizes achieving a balance in the body, mind, and spirit to foster holistic well-being. Known for its preventive and curative methods, Ayurveda utilizes natural elements to maintain health and treat illnesses, providing a sustainable approach to healthcare. The origins of Ayurveda are attributed to Lord Dhanvantari, a divine physician who received this knowledge from Lord Brahma.

The Significance of Ayurveda Day

Since 2016, the Government of India has observed Ayurveda Day each year on Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti) to raise awareness about Ayurvedic principles, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle practices. This day honors Lord Dhanvantari’s contributions to Ayurvedic medicine, with a goal to foster a deeper understanding of Ayurveda’s foundational principles, healing practices, and lifestyle approaches. The Ministry of Ayush leads this initiative, recognizing Ayurveda as a vital part of India’s healthcare heritage.

Ayurveda Day 2024: Expanding Global Celebrations

The 9th Ayurveda Day is set to be the most expansive yet, with participation from over 150 countries. The chosen theme, “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health,” underscores Ayurveda’s relevance in tackling global health challenges through innovative approaches.

Key Objectives of Ayurveda Day 2024:

• Combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
• Addressing health challenges linked to climate change, geriatric care, mental health, and nutritional disorders.
• Promoting preventive health and holistic wellness.
• Supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives.

Prime Minister’s Inauguration of Major Health Initiatives

On this significant day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore to enhance India’s healthcare sector and promote Ayurveda. These initiatives symbolize India’s dedication to blending traditional knowledge with accessible healthcare services.

Key Projects:

1. Expansion of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) – Phase II:
   • Inauguration of a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation center, and a 500-seat auditorium.
2. Launch of Four Ayush Centres of Excellence:
   • Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
   • Sustainable Ayush for Advanced Technological Solutions at IIT Delhi.
   • Fundamental and Translational Research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.
   • Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
3. Foundation Stones for Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy:
   • Khordha, Odisha and Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

These projects are crucial steps in bringing Ayurveda to the forefront of mainstream healthcare by enhancing research and clinical practices in traditional medicine. This will also pave the way for Ayurveda to play a significant role in addressing modern health challenges through sustainable solutions.

Focus Areas of Ayurveda Day 2024

This year’s celebrations focus on specific areas that underline Ayurveda’s holistic approach to health and wellness. The Ministry of Ayush has outlined the following areas:

1. Women’s Health: Addressing unique health challenges faced by women, Ayurveda offers guidance on dietary practices, lifestyle habits, and preventive health measures.
2. Workplace Wellness: Incorporating Ayurvedic principles in workplace settings to improve mental well-being and stress management, ultimately enhancing productivity.
3. School Wellness Programs: Promoting Ayurvedic wellness among children by focusing on immunity-boosting and personalized nutritional guidance.
4. Food Innovation: Blending Ayurvedic dietary principles with modern culinary techniques to create nutritionally balanced, healing foods.

Celebratory Activities: October 21-29, 2024

A series of events have been organized from October 21st to October 29th to celebrate Ayurveda. These include:

• Global Awareness Campaigns to promote the understanding and benefits of Ayurvedic practices.
• Educational Lectures on managing health and wellness through Ayurveda.
• Public Rallies to engage the community in Ayurvedic wellness.
• Free Diagnostic Camps providing public access to Ayurvedic health consultations.

The celebrations culminate in a special ceremony invoking blessings for health and well-being, aiming to showcase Ayurveda’s efficacy in promoting holistic health.

The Historical Roots of Ayurveda

Ayurveda’s origins can be traced back to the Vedic period in India, with references to treatments in the Vedas (composed between 5000 and 1000 BC). The Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita are among the most revered texts, establishing Ayurveda as a structured medical system around 1000 BC. Key contributors like Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata expanded on Ayurvedic knowledge in their works, Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya, forming the core of Ayurvedic literature.

Throughout history, Ayurveda influenced medical practices in China, Japan, Egypt, and Greece. The ancient Universities of Takshashila and Nalanda attracted students worldwide, cementing Ayurveda’s international appeal as early as 200 BC.

Global Expansion and Recognition of Ayurveda

Today, Ayurveda holds legal recognition in 24 countries as a traditional system of medicine. Platforms such as the SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine, BIMSTEC Taskforce, and BRICS High-Level Forum facilitate international collaboration. Additionally, Ayurveda products are now exported to over 100 countries, indicating growing demand and trust in Ayurvedic practices.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has integrated morbidity codes for Ayurveda in the ICD-11 TM Module 2 and established benchmarks for Ayurvedic practice and training. The Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, continues to advance research, education, and practice in Ayurveda.