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The National Ayurveda Day is celebrated annually on 29th October to mark the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri.

About National Ayurveda Day

Ayurveda Day is observed on 29th October with the aim to raise awareness about Ayurveda to focus on comprehensive well-being.

In 2016, the Government of India decided to celebrate Ayurveda Day on 29th October, which is the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri.

The Theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is “Ayurveda Innovation and Global Health” to focus on Women's Health, Workplace Wellness, School Wellness Program, and Food Innovation.

What is Ayurveda?

It is an ancient system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. It is widely practiced in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka where nearly 80% of the population using Ayurvedic treatment.

It has its root in four Vedas (1500-500 BCE), also mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata. It was fully developed by 1000 BCE with foundational texts like Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

Ayurveda includes a variety of therapies such as herbal medicines, special diets, meditation, yoga, massage.

Ancient Ayurvedic texts also suggest the evidence of surgical techniques, including cataract surgery.

The Government of India has launched the National Ayush Mission in 2014 to strengthen Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) to focus on educational institutions and enhance the quality of services.

Who was Dhanvantri?

He is known as the father of Ayurveda and is considered the divine physician of the gods.

He is regarded as an avatar of lord Vishnu. He is also mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda.

According to Hindu mythology, Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons).

He is commonly shown with four hands, holding a pot of amrit, a discus, a conch, and a leech. Sometimes he is also highlighted as holding scriptures and herbs.

He is worshiped on Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of Diwali festival.

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‘AYURVEDA FOR ONE HEALTH’ CAMPAIGN

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. The National Ayurveda Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri.

2. The Theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is “Ayurveda Innovation and Global Health”.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

Ayurveda Day is marked on 29th October to raise awareness about Ayurveda. In 2016, the Government of India decided to celebrate Ayurveda Day on 29th October, which is the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri.

Statement 2 is correct:

The Theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is “Ayurveda Innovation and Global Health” to focus on Women's Health, Workplace Wellness, School Wellness Program, and Food Innovation.