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Poshan Maah 2026: Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari

UNICEF India joins the Government of India in celebrating Nutrition Month 2026, spotlighting the vital role of Anganwadi centres in nurturing every child's first 1,000 days

UNICEF

Women participate in a nutrition cooking demonstration using local ingredients including moringa leaves and energy balls at a community centre, watched by other women and children seated on mats. — UNICEF

Every September, India comes together to put child nutrition at the centre of the national conversation. Poshan Maah 2026 is observed under the theme Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari, Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility, recognizing Anganwadi workers and centres as the frontline of India's fight against malnutrition.

UNICEF India is marking the month across its digital platforms, amplifying stories from Anganwadi centres and communities, and rallying families, frontline workers and local leaders around a shared goal: giving every child the best possible start in life.

^{“The first 1,000 days, from conception to two years, are the most critical window for a child's brain and body development. What we feed children now shapes who they become.”}

UNICEF From birth to six months, provide exclusive breastfeeding.

Why Poshan Maah Matters

Good nutrition is the foundation on which every child's future is built, yet millions of children in India still face stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies. Poshan Maah 2026 exists to close that gap: creating an enabling environment for good nutrition and early childhood development at the individual, household and community level; building understanding of the first 1,000 days and the role of dietary diversity, hot cooked meals and early stimulation; and connecting families to the services that improve nutrition outcomes for children, women and caregivers across India.

This Year's Theme: Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari

Four pillars. One powerful mission. Through September, UNICEF India's campaign follows four themes that together tell the story of what it takes to nourish a child.

Nourish from the Start

The first 1,000 days shape a lifetime. This pillar spotlights dietary diversity, hot cooked meals and early stimulation as the building blocks of a child's development.

Hot and Fresh, Every Day

“Fresh hot cooked meals at Anganwadi centres provide the nutrition and care that children need to grow, learn and thrive.”

This pillar follows the journey of the hot-cooked meal programme at Anganwadi centres, with perspectives from Anganwadi workers themselves and from UNICEF's work supporting the programme at scale.

Together We Nourish

“Nutrition is a community responsibility. When families, Anganwadi workers, frontline health workers and local leaders work together, every child benefits.”

This pillar celebrates community ownership, the Anganwadi workers, families and local leaders whose everyday effort keeps the system running.

Diverse Plates, Stronger Children

“A rainbow of foods, local, seasonal and diverse, gives children the protein, vitamins and minerals they need. No single food is enough.”

This pillar tackles dietary diversity and anaemia head-on: one in two Indian children under five is anaemic, but iron-rich foods, regular health check-ups and community support can turn that tide.

Voices from the Ground

This September, the campaign travels to Anganwadi centres and communities in Bihar and Rajasthan to capture what “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” looks like in practice.

“In the golden sands of Rajasthan, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Every morning, Anganwadi workers walk kilometres to reach families who need them most. They carry knowledge, hope and a fierce belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life.”

From Bihar, the campaign brings the hot cooked meal programme to life, through the eyes of Anganwadi workers serving fresh meals every day, UNICEF's perspective on scaling the programme across the state, and a photo essay drawn from the field mission. (This content is still being finalised and will be added as it becomes available.)

Join the Movement

Poshan Maah is a call to action for every family and community:

A challenge for every family this Poshan Maah, grow, buy or share one nutritious food with a pregnant woman, young child or adolescent girl in your neighbourhood. Good nutrition begins with community awareness, participation and support.

This week, visit your Anganwadi and check: