By Vaidya Gopal Chandra Nanda
Bhubaneswar, September 7: The Government of India has designated September 23 as Ayurveda Day, dedicating the occasion to promoting Ayurveda for the welfare of humanity and the protection of the environment. The day provides an opportunity to recognise the enduring relevance of Ayurveda and encourage healthier lifestyles for the creation of a healthier human society.
Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, has been traditionally regarded as an Upaveda, or subsidiary Veda, of the Atharva Veda. Lord Dhanwantari is revered as the propagator of Ayurveda, the ancient science of health and well-being, and his birth anniversary is celebrated as Dhanwantari Jayanti.
In India, the occasion is also observed as Dhanteras, which falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Kartika. Traditionally, people mark the festival by purchasing gold, silver, ornaments and other articles and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
According to various Puranic scriptures, Dhanwantari, regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean. To commemorate his contribution to the science of health, the Government of India designated the occasion as Ayurveda Day, with the aim of promoting the ancient system’s principles of disease prevention, health preservation, and holistic well-being across the world.
True happiness, however, cannot be measured merely by wealth or material possessions. Good health remains one of the most essential foundations of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
In contemporary society, maintaining complete physical and mental well-being has become increasingly difficult. Unhealthy dietary practices, irregular sleep patterns and changing lifestyles are contributing significantly to the deterioration of overall health. At the same time, environmental challenges such as climate change, air pollution, water contamination and soil degradation are creating additional health risks.
Against this backdrop, Ayurveda assumes greater relevance by emphasising preventive healthcare, balanced living and harmony between human beings and nature.
