By Gyan Pathak
At a time when RSS-BJP clan has been politically opposing everything foreign in the name of Hindutva nationalism, designating a new date by PM Narendra Modi led government for celebrating Ayurveda Day on 23 September in the Gregorian Calendar in place of celebrating it traditionally on Dhanteras, the day of appearance of the physician of god Dhanvantari as per Hindu Calendar, it clearly signals a shift in Hindutva politics, exposing the ideological contradictions within RSS-BJP clan, and perhaps the drifting apart of the RSS and BJP leaderships.
Organisations affiliated to RSS and the Hindutva political forces have been opposing every secular occasion to push their own Hindutva dates to be observed. For example, Labour Day is celebrated of May 1, every year, but RSS-BJP supported Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) insisted labour day to be observed on the god Vishavakarma worship day. RSS-BJP clan always criticized the new year day celebrations on January 1, saying that it was European’s new year day. They pushed for observing new year day beginning with Hindu Calendars. There can be numerous examples of such kinds. They have been doing politics on that.
Then the question is why PM Narendra Modi government ignored the birthday of the physician of the gods Dhanvantari? In Hindu mythology, he came out from the churning of the Ocean with a bowl of nectar in his hand. He became the chief physical of the gods, and is considered as the god of Ayurveda and medicine. The day of his appearance is the 13th of the lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Kartik, that marks the first day of the festival of Diwali (festival of light). It is in his honour, Ayurveda Day in India is traditionally observed.
Hindutva forces have been pushing for Ayurveda and Indian traditional medicine as against the European system of medicine as practiced in our modern-day hospitals. They even alleged that Ayurveda is being defamed by the Europeans and anglophiles. RSS-BJP Hindutva forces have been politicizing the issue. They what suddenly made PM Narendra Modi to change the traditional Ayurveda Day as per Hindu Calendar to new day in Gregorian Calendar?
One of the reasons, though not admitted yet, either by the BJP leadership or the RSS leadership, that they are at loggerheads, on the way of pursuance of the Hindutva politics. The latest decision of the PM Narendra Modi led BJP government at the centre is an example. RSS and its affiliated organisations, still emphasise for pursuing everything in the light of Hindu Rashtra, in which no foreign religion or calendar has any space.
BJP has also given other signals to RSS. During the Lok Sabha election BJP president J P Nadda has clearly said that BJP did not need RSS, since the party had significantly grown. The latest example is just another signal that BJP wants to break the subjugation of RSS and its brand of Hindutva politics.
The centre has said in a press release that the landmark decision of the government is aimed at enhancing global visibility and consistency in observance of Ayurveda day on 23 September every year.
The change was already notified through a Gazette Notification dated March 23, 2025. Ayurveda Day has been commemorated annually to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness, the government says, giving additional reason for the change made.
Until now, Ayurveda Day coincided with Dhanteras, a festival observed in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October or November). However, as the date of Dhanteras fluctuates each year, the observance of Ayurveda Day lacked a fixed annual date, a government press release read.
The Ministry of Ayush also noted that in the coming decade, the date of Dhanteras would continue to vary widely between 15th October and 12th November posing logistical challenges for organizing national and international observances.
To address this inconsistency and establish a stable reference point for national and global celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush constituted a committee to examine suitable alternatives. The expert panel proposed four potential dates, with 23rd September emerging as the preferred choice. This decision was guided by both practical and symbolic considerations.
It was said in the press release that the chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal. This astronomical event symbolizes balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasizes equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. The equinox, representing cosmic harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda—living in balance with nature.
The Ministry of Ayush urges individuals, health professionals, academic bodies, and international partners to embrace the newly designated date and actively participate in Ayurveda Day celebrations on 23rd September each year. The Ministry sees this shift as an opportunity to further embed Ayurveda into global health narratives and promote its timeless value as a preventive and sustainable healthcare system.
However, the million-dollar question is, does this decision would easily be swallowed by the RSS and its affiliates in Hindutva politics? Only time will tell. At present it shows how the RSS hardcore Hindutva forces and liberal Hindutva forces within are drifting apart. (IPA Service)
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