Dhanteras: Ayush Minister Jadhav asks families to adopt one health habit

Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, called on citizens on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to make health and preventive healthcare part of their Dhanteras celebrations. In a statement issued ahead of the festival, he asked every person to take up at least one positive health habit in their daily routine and to encourage one family member to do the same. He said good health is the foundation of prosperity and well-being, and that the festival should also be an occasion to invest in long-term health, not only in gold, silver and other assets.

Dhanteras is widely marked by buying gold, silver and other assets, which is the habit the minister referred to. His message tries to attach a second meaning to the day through its traditional link with Dhanvantari Jayanti, which is why the Ayush ministry uses the festival to talk about health.

The content of the appeal is modest and practical rather than a new scheme. It does not announce money, a programme or a deadline. Its emphasis is on prevention: eating at home, cutting junk food, staying active, doing yoga and going for health check-ups on time. They also tie in with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the community health centres that the minister said are bringing Ayush-based services closer to people.

The call to involve one more family member is the most specific part. It turns a general health message into a small, countable action within a household.

What the statement does not do is make any medical claim. It speaks of habits and screenings, not cures, and it does not recommend any medicine or product. Readers with a health condition should follow their own doctor's advice.

Peepals calculation: In February 2026 the minister said the Union Budget 2026-27 raised the Ayush ministry's allocation by more than 10% to Rs 4,500 crore. Working back, an increase of just over 10% means the previous year's allocation was a little under about Rs 4,090 crore (4,500 / 1.10 ≈ 4,091), and the rise was at least about Rs 410 crore (4,500 - 4,091). Our calculation from the reported figures.

Short-term: The ministry's festival message adds a health angle to Dhanteras, with a simple request that households can act on during the festival week.

Long-term: The appeal is part of a wider effort to make prevention and Ayush services a routine part of public healthcare, through community centres such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Who is affected: Families celebrating Dhanteras and Diwali, elderly people whose care the minister highlighted, and users of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other Ayush services.

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