By Rajvaidya Prof. Gopal Chandra Nanda

Bhubaneswar, September 23: The 11th Ayurveda Day is being observed on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with the official theme“Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”

Rajvaidya Param Bhusan Prof. Gopal Chandra Nanda, founder of Arogyam Art of Wellbeing & Wellness Convention, Bhubaneswar, described the day's significance, saying September 23 should be seen not merely as Ayurveda Day but also as a “Balance Day” that reflects Ayurveda's fundamental principles.

According to Prof. Nanda, the decision to observe Ayurveda Day on September 23 carries a deeper significance as the date coincides with the Autumnal Equinox, a natural phenomenon symbolising balance between day and night.

“On the morning of September 23, 2026, the world will pause for a balance—not merely the balance of day and night, but the balance of health,” Prof. Nanda said.

He noted that Ayurveda's philosophy goes beyond treating illness and places emphasis on prevention, healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, daily routines, mental wellbeing and harmony with nature.

“The story is not simply about medicine, but about a memory returning. For years, we chased cures after disease appeared. Now, the world is increasingly looking towards preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, nutrition and holistic wellness,” he said.

Prof. Nanda said this year's theme, “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” aligns with the broader vision of building a healthier society and contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“Health is beyond treatment. It is about healthy habits, the right diet, a disciplined daily routine, mental balance and harmony with nature,” he said.

National significance

Highlighting the growing national focus on Ayurveda, Prof. Nanda referred to initiatives such as Swasthya Parikshan, under which 1.29 crore citizens have reportedly undergone health assessments using Ayurvedic parameters. He also pointed to the achievement of five Guinness World Records associated with such initiatives.

He said Ayurveda is increasingly moving towards predictive, preventive and personalised healthcare, supported by three key pillars: integrative healthcare; evidence-based research and innovation; and community wellbeing and sustainable living.

According to Prof. Nanda, these efforts are helping Ayurveda evolve from a traditional system of medicine into a broader people's movement, orJan Andolan, focused on health and wellbeing.

He also highlighted initiatives involving new safety dossiers on medicinal plants, Standard Treatment Guidelines, Ayush Vision 2030 and the National Dhanwantari Awards.

Global relevance

​​​​​​​Prof. Nanda said Ayurveda is also gaining international relevance amid the global burden of non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, and environmental degradation.

With its emphasis on preventive care, plant-based remedies, healthy living and harmony with nature, Ayurveda offers a framework that can contribute to discussions on individual as well as planetary health, he said.

“From Nagpur to New York, from the World Health Organization to every kitchen, Ayurveda represents India's soft power and its traditional knowledge,” Prof. Nanda said.

He added that Ayurveda Day should not be viewed merely as a celebration of India's heritage, but as an opportunity to connect traditional knowledge with the healthcare needs of the future.

“September 23 is therefore not only a day to celebrate Ayurveda. It is a reminder that balance—in our bodies, minds, communities and relationship with nature—is central to a healthier tomorrow,” Prof. Nanda said.