Buldhana : The four-day National Arogya Fair 2026, organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress at Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, from 25–28 February 2026, concluded yesterday, reaffirming India’s commitment to holistic healthcare and rural empowerment through traditional systems of medicine.
Inaugurated by President of India Droupadi Murmu at the sacred Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, the Fair emerged as a vibrant confluence of healthcare outreach, scientific dialogue, farmer engagement, and public participation. Over four days, the event drew enthusiastic participation from citizens, practitioners, researchers, industry representatives, students, and thousands of farmers from Buldhana and the wider Vidarbha region.
In her inaugural address, the President emphasised that health is the highest form of happiness and highlighted the role of Ayush systems in promoting a comprehensive lifestyle rooted in harmony between body and mind. She underscored the importance of preventive and holistic healthcare in reducing the nation’s disease burden. During the ceremony, she conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman on eminent practitioners in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Ayurveda and public health.
Governor of Maharashtra Shri Acharya Devvrat described Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition grounded in India’s ancient knowledge systems, stressing the need for authenticity and quality in practice and medicines.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, who visited the Fair on almost all four days, described the National Arogya Fair as a “Mahakumbh of Indian traditional medicine systems.” Interacting with practitioners, farmers, entrepreneurs, and visitors, he reiterated that Ayush is not only a treatment system but a nationwide movement for preventive healthcare, rural prosperity, and global wellness leadership.
Shri Jadhav highlighted the Ministry’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to strengthen evidence-based research, quality assurance, and global outreach in Ayush systems. He also emphasised the immense potential of Ayush tourism, noting that India can emerge as a global leader in holistic wellness through Ayurveda, Yoga, and natural therapies, creating employment and boosting rural economies.
A major highlight of the Fair was its extensive free healthcare outreach. Dedicated OPD counters across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy witnessed heavy footfall throughout the four days, providing medical consultations, health check-ups, and authentic Ayush medicines. Visitors benefited from expert guidance on lifestyle disorders, chronic conditions, and preventive care under one roof.
Live Yoga demonstrations and therapy sessions attracted participants of all ages. A Yoga competition saw spirited involvement from youth and students, reflecting growing awareness of Yoga as a preventive and promotive healthcare tool. The Ayush Aahar segment, promoting region-specific, balanced dietary practices based on Ayush principles, also received an enthusiastic response from visitors.
The Ministry’s pavilion showcased the work of its Research Councils, National Institutes, and the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), highlighting research outcomes, public health initiatives, academic programmes, and digital outreach efforts. Interactive displays on medicinal plants, herbal products, and home remedies drew significant interest, particularly from rural visitors and self-help groups.
A distinctive feature of the Fair was its focused engagement with farmers. Special sessions on “Ayurvedic Farming: Production, Value Addition, and Marketing” provided technical guidance on medicinal plant cultivation, post-harvest management, and assured market linkages. Around 2,000 farmers participated in the workshops, and multiple Letters of Intent, including a major turmeric procurement agreement, were signed, strengthening supply chains and ensuring remunerative returns for cultivators.
Farmers and participants from Vidarbha lauded the initiative, noting that diversification into medicinal plant cultivation offers sustainable and profitable alternatives alongside conventional agriculture. Many described the Fair as a timely intervention connecting healthcare advancement with income enhancement and environmental sustainability.
Throughout the four days, the Fair served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, public awareness, and direct service delivery. Expert lectures, therapy demonstrations, industry exhibitions, and interactions between policymakers and grassroots stakeholders reinforced an integrated vision of health and livelihood.
The successful conclusion of the National Arogya Fair 2026 reflects the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to bringing traditional medicine closer to the people while strengthening research, quality standards, and farmer participation in the Ayush value chain. By combining free healthcare services, scientific engagement, youth participation through Yoga competitions, and structured support for medicinal plant cultivation, the Fair demonstrated how Ayush systems can advance public health, rural development, and India’s emergence as a global hub for holistic wellness.