The Ayush Expo will be a key highlight of the upcoming second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit (GTMC), taking place this week, showcasing India’s ancient medical systems alongside international practices, as  the Ministry of Ayush stated on Tuesday.

Organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the GTMC is scheduled for December 17 to 19 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The Ayush Expo aims to offer a detailed and curated display of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, utilizing engaging exhibits, scientific explanations, and digital interfaces.

This exhibition intends to convert India’s traditional knowledge systems into relevant global narratives that align with modern public health priorities.

“The Ayush Expo at the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit is intended to present India’s traditional medicine systems grounded in scientific evidence and global relevance,” remarked Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Manoj Nesari, Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA).

“By uniting classical knowledge, evidence-based practices, and cutting-edge technologies on a single platform, the Expo aims to foster informed discussions, enhance research collaboration, and promote the responsible integration of traditional medicine into current health systems,” she continued.

One of the main attractions will be the Medicinal Plants and Seeds Pavilion, showcasing approximately 40 live medicinal plants and rare seeds that emphasize India’s botanical legacy and the ecological foundations of traditional medicine.

The Spices of India Pavilion will explore the scientific underpinnings of commonly used culinary herbs and their roles in preventive health, while the Metallotherapeutics Zone will clarify classical purification techniques, bhasma preparation methods, and safety validation protocols.

The Expo will also include displays on Dinacharya, Ritucharya, and Panchakarma, illustrating principles of preventive care, seasonal guidelines, and therapeutic practices using traditional instruments and explanatory formats.

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) will be highlighted as an internationally recognized initiative aimed at safeguarding traditional knowledge and combating bio-piracy, according to the Ministry.

Furthermore, the Expo will feature a dedicated WHO Zone that will showcase traditional medicine systems from various WHO member countries. Nations from different regions will introduce their healing customs, community-based health models, and indigenous knowledge systems.

The global exhibits will represent the diversity of traditional medicine practices, presented through WHO-curated zones that focus on healthy ecosystems, social innovation, and nature-based health solutions.