By Aanchal / New Delhi: November 6, 2026
Dhanvantari Jayanti, dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the revered divine physician and symbol of Ayurveda, is being celebrated across India and several countries worldwide. Representing India’s centuries-old healing tradition, Lord Dhanvantari symbolises health, longevity, knowledge and human well-being.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during Samudra Manthan carrying the Amrit Kalash, representing the divine gift of health and immortality. His teachings and symbolism continue to inspire Ayurveda practitioners and healthcare professionals.
As India celebrates Dhanvantari Jayanti 2026, leading Ayurveda experts have highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition, scientific research and the global promotion of India’s traditional medical knowledge.
The occasion also reflects India’s growing efforts to establish Ayurveda as an important contributor to global healthcare discussions.
Modi Government’s Initiatives Give Global Recognition to Ayurveda
India has taken several initiatives to strengthen and promote its traditional systems of medicine internationally during Modi Government.
The establishment of a separate Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 marked a significant step towards developing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy through education, research, healthcare infrastructure and international cooperation.
The government has strengthened Ayurveda institutions, supported scientific research, encouraged medicinal plant cultivation and expanded international academic partnerships.
These initiatives aim to preserve India’s traditional knowledge while encouraging its responsible integration into contemporary healthcare systems.
According to government information released in 2025, the Ministry of AYUSH had also developed partnerships with 25 countries, supported 15 international AYUSH academic chairs and established 43 AYUSH Information Cells across 39 countries.
WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre: A Major International Milestone
One of the most significant developments in this direction was the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 2022, with the support of the Government of India.
India committed US$250 million towards the centre, which aims to advance evidence-based research, innovation, quality standards and international cooperation in traditional medicine.
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held in New Delhi from December 17 to 19, 2025, brought together international stakeholders to discuss the future of traditional medicine.
The Delhi Declaration highlighted the importance of international cooperation and implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
Top Ayurveda Experts Highlight India’s Global Healthcare Heritage
Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna: Dhanvantari Jayanti Celebrated in 40–50 Countries
Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, said Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated with enthusiasm not only across India but also in approximately 40–50 countries.
He described the occasion as a festival of health and wellness for the Ayurveda community and Vaidyas worldwide.
Emphasising preventive healthcare, Vaidya Triguna said Dhanvantari Jayanti provides an opportunity to create greater public awareness about balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
With the transition towards winter and the festive season of Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, he advised people to avoid excessive consumption of fried, heavy and unhealthy foods and choose light, nutritious and easily digestible meals.
He highlighted the Ayurvedic principles of Aahar (diet) and Vihar (lifestyle), referring to the teachings of Acharya Charaka and other ancient scholars on seasonal health practices.
He further explained that Ayurveda is not merely a system for treating diseases but also focuses on disease prevention, overall wellness and making healthcare affordable and accessible to every section of society.
According to him, the ultimate objective should be to develop a healthcare system that encourages healthy living and ensures wider access to preventive healthcare.
Prof. Vaidya Santosh Kumar Bhattad: Ayurveda Promotes Harmony of Body, Mind and Soul
Prof. Vaidya Santosh Kumar Bhattad of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion and highlighted the timeless relevance of Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings.
He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Lord Dhanvantari Jayanti, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. Lord Dhanvantari represents Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom and the noble spirit of healing humanity. Ayurveda teaches us that true health lies in harmony between body, mind and soul. Let us preserve and promote this invaluable heritage through scientific research, preventive healthcare and a healthy lifestyle for a healthier society.”
He emphasised that the preservation of India’s traditional medical heritage must go hand in hand with research, innovation and greater public awareness.
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Katara: Balanced Diet and Lifestyle Are Essential for Good Health
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Katara, Associate Professor, P.G. Department of Panchakarma, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, highlighted the importance of Lord Dhanvantari’s message in contemporary healthcare.
He said, “Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician of Ayurveda, reminds us that true health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete harmony between the body, mind and soul. Ayurveda emphasises the importance of a balanced diet (Aahar), healthy lifestyle (Vihar) and a disciplined daily routine for maintaining overall well-being. By embracing these timeless principles and adopting a preventive approach to healthcare, we can strengthen our health, improve quality of life and move towards a healthier, balanced and longer life.”
He highlighted that adopting healthy daily habits and following preventive healthcare principles can contribute to better overall well-being.
Ayurveda’s Growing Relevance in Modern Healthcare
Ayurveda places considerable emphasis on preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition, daily routines and seasonal practices.
Its concepts of Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) underline the importance of maintaining harmony between individual lifestyles and changing environmental conditions.
At a time when lifestyle-related diseases, stress and other non-communicable health concerns are increasing globally, traditional wellness approaches are attracting attention.
However, scientific evaluation, evidence-based research, quality control and safety monitoring remain essential for the responsible application of individual Ayurvedic treatments.
Lord Dhanvantari’s Legacy: India’s Message of Health to the World
From ancient Indian scriptures to contemporary international healthcare discussions, Lord Dhanvantari continues to symbolise India’s rich medical and healing heritage.
The initiatives undertaken by the Modi Government, the Ministry of AYUSH and collaborations with WHO are creating new opportunities for India’s traditional knowledge to contribute to global discussions on healthcare and wellness.
On Dhanvantari Jayanti 2026, Ayurveda experts have reiterated that the real significance of this ancient tradition lies not only in treating diseases but also in promoting prevention, healthy lifestyles, longevity and accessible healthcare.
Lord Dhanvantari’s timeless message continues to inspire a vision of healthcare that places human well-being at its centre.
