Poshan Maah 2026: nutrition month puts Anganwadis at the centre
The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was launched in Varanasi on 9 September 2026 with the theme 'Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari'. It runs till 8 October with a focus on protein, hot cooked meals and maternal benefits.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi on 9 September 2026. Union Minister Annpurna Devi led the launch. The campaign runs from 9 September to 8 October 2026.
This year's theme
The theme is 'Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari' (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility). It places Anganwadi centres at the heart of community action on nutrition and early childhood development.
Five focus areas
| Focus area | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dietary diversity and protein | Encouraging varied diets with enough protein |
| Hot cooked meals | Fresh, hot meals at Anganwadi centres |
| Community ownership | Local people taking responsibility for their centres |
| Nutrition and early childhood | Linking food with early stimulation and learning |
| 10 years of PMMVY | Marking a decade of the maternity benefit scheme |
Support for mothers
The campaign includes a saturation drive to enrol all eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), speed up direct benefit transfers, and release a toolkit that states can adapt locally.
Simple nutrition habits for families
Based on well-established public health guidance:
- Include pulses, milk, eggs or other protein foods in daily meals
- Add seasonal fruits and green leafy vegetables for vitamins and iron
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months, followed by suitable complementary foods
- Pregnant women should attend check-ups and take supplements advised by health workers
- Use the local Anganwadi for growth monitoring, take-home rations and counselling
Poshan Maah is held every September under the POSHAN Abhiyaan to raise awareness about child and maternal nutrition.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the theme of Poshan Maah 2026?
'Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari' (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility).
When does Poshan Maah 2026 run?
From 9 September to 8 October 2026.
Sources
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