Ninth Siddha Day Celebrations in Chennai

The Ministry of Ayush will celebrate the 9th Siddha Day on 3 January 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, in collaboration with national and state Siddha institutions. The event highlights the growing emphasis on India’s traditional medical systems and their role in public health, research, and global wellness.

Significance of Siddha Day

Siddha Day is observed annually on 6 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, regarded as the father of the Siddha system of medicine. The celebrations underscore the cultural, scientific, and therapeutic heritage of Siddha, one of India’s oldest medical traditions, which originated in Tamil Nadu and continues to play a role in preventive and holistic healthcare.

Theme and Institutional Participation

The 2026 celebrations are themed “Siddha for Global Health,” reflecting the government’s intent to position Siddha medicine within international health frameworks. The programme is being jointly organised by the National Institute of Siddha, the Central Council for Research in Siddha, and the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu. Siddha practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students from multiple States are expected to participate.

Dignitaries and Academic Engagement

The event will be inaugurated and presided over by the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan. Senior Union and State ministers, top officials from the Ministry of Ayush, and health administrators from Tamil Nadu will also be present. Students from Government Siddha Medical Colleges in Chennai and Palayamkottai, as well as private Siddha institutions from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are expected to attend in large numbers, reinforcing academic engagement.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Siddha medicine originated in Tamil Nadu.
• Sage Agathiyar is regarded as the father of Siddha medicine.
• Siddha Day is observed annually on 6 January.
• The Ministry of Ayush promotes traditional Indian systems of medicine.

Recognition and Global Outreach

On the occasion, the Ministry of Ayush will felicitate five eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions to the Siddha system. The celebrations will showcase Siddha’s role in preventive healthcare, scientific research, and wellness promotion. The event reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening Siddha through policy support, innovation, and international recognition as part of India’s broader healthcare strategy.