NEW DELHI: The four-day National Arogya Fair 2026, organised by the Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, concluded on 28 February at Shegaon in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, marking a significant stride in India’s efforts to advance holistic healthcare and rural empowerment through traditional systems of medicine.
Held at the revered Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, the Fair was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, who underscored the intrinsic link between health and happiness. Highlighting the strength of Ayush systems, she emphasised their ability to offer a balanced lifestyle that integrates preventive care and mental well-being. During the ceremony, she also conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman on distinguished practitioners for their sustained contributions to Ayurveda.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat reiterated Ayurveda’s scientific foundations and stressed the importance of authenticity and rigorous quality standards in both practice and medicinal products.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, who visited the Fair across multiple days, described the event as a “Mahakumbh of Indian traditional medicine.” Engaging with practitioners, farmers, students and citizens, he noted that Ayush is evolving beyond a healthcare system into a national movement that promotes preventive care, rural prosperity and global leadership in wellness. He also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to fortify evidence-based research, strengthen quality benchmarks and expand India’s global footprint in traditional health systems.
A key highlight of the Fair was the extensive free healthcare outreach. Dedicated OPD counters across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy witnessed substantial footfall. Thousands benefited from medical consultations, diagnostic tests and authentic Ayush medicines, particularly for lifestyle disorders and chronic ailments.
Live Yoga demonstrations and therapy sessions attracted participants of all ages, while youth engagement was evident in the spirited Yoga competitions. The Ayush Aahar pavilion, promoting region-specific dietary practices, also drew wide appreciation.
The Ministry’s pavilion showcased research initiatives, public health programmes and digital innovations by its Research Councils, National Institutes and the National Medicinal Plants Board. Interactive exhibits on herbal remedies and medicinal plants were especially popular among rural visitors and self-help groups.
A distinctive focus this year was farmer engagement. Special sessions on Ayurvedic farming, value addition and market linkages drew nearly 2,000 farmers, with several Letters of Intent—including a buy-back agreement for turmeric—offering new livelihood opportunities. Many farmers welcomed the Fair as a timely intervention aligning healthcare progress with rural income enhancement and environmental sustainability.
The successful conclusion of the National Arogya Fair 2026 reflects the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to strengthening traditional medicine, expanding rural participation and positioning India as a global hub for holistic wellness.