The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai on January 3, 2026. He also emphasized the relevance of Siddha medicine as a comprehensive, preventive and sustainable healthcare system in the contemporary world.
- The celebration was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine.
9th Siddha Day: Highlights
» The 9th National Siddha Day was on 06 January 2026. This time, Ayilyam star fell on 06 January 2026.
Participation:
» The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in association with its institutions- the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) and the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) along with the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu, celebrated the 9th Siddha Day in Chennai.
» The event brought together Siddha practitioners, scientists, academicians, scholars, and students from across the country.
Theme: Siddha Day 2026
- The theme of the 9th Siddha Day celebrations was “Siddha for Global Health”.
Aim:
» The 9th Siddha Day showcased the contributions of Siddha medicine in preventive health, research, and global wellness.
- It was aimed to enhance awareness and reaffirm the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Siddha’s role in healthcare delivery, research collaboration, and academic advancement.
The celebration reaffirmed the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to promoting Siddha medicine through research, education, innovation, and global engagement, positioning it as an integral component of national and international health systems.
About Siddha Day:
» The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has decided to observe Siddha Day every year on the birthday of Siddhar Agathiyar, the father of Siddha Medicine. Therefore, Siddha Day is being celebrated in support with the Ministry of AYUSH.
» Siddhar Agasthiyar was born in Star “Ayilyam” in the Tamil month Margazhi. Siddhar Agathiyar is considered as the father of Siddha medicine.
The celebration is proposed to be conducted in a befitting manner so that the general public are conscientized about the benefits of Siddha system of Medicine through various activities, using that day as an occasion.
Previous Celebrations:
» The first Siddha Day celebration was organized on January 4, 2018.
- It was organized by the Central Council for Research in Siddha in collaboration with the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University and National Institute of Siddha.
» The 8th National Siddha Day was celebrated on 19 December 2024.