On January 3, 2026, the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in association with 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 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, presided over and formally inaugurated the celebrations. The theme for 2026 was Siddha for Global Health. Siddha Day is annually observed on January 6 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine, but the 9th edition was advanced by three days and organised on January 3 as its central national event. The celebrations brought together Siddha practitioners, scientists, academicians, scholars, and students from across Tamil Nadu and other States, with senior members of Siddha statutory bodies, researchers from NIS and CCRS, and officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Tamil Nadu participating. The Ministry of Ayush felicitated five eminent personalities for their extraordinary and commendable contributions to the Siddha system of medicine. The event showcased the contributions of Siddha medicine in preventive health, research, and global wellness, aiming to enhance awareness and reaffirm the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen Siddha's role in healthcare delivery, research collaboration, and academic advancement under the AYUSH framework.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Inaugurates 9th Siddha Day Celebrations in Chennai with Theme Siddha for Global Health
On January 3, 2026, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, organised by the Ministry of Ayush with NIS, CCRS and Tamil Nadu government. The theme was Siddha for Global Health. Five eminent personalities were felicitated for contributions to Siddha medicine. Siddha Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar on January 6.
Key facts
- Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai on January 3, 2026
- Event organised by Ministry of Ayush with National Institute of Siddha, Central Council for Research in Siddha, and Tamil Nadu government
- Theme for 9th Siddha Day was Siddha for Global Health
- Siddha Day is annually observed on January 6 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, the father of Siddha medicine
- Ministry of Ayush felicitated five eminent personalities for outstanding contributions to Siddha medicine
- Celebrations brought together practitioners, scientists, academicians, scholars and students from across Tamil Nadu and other States
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Full form of AYUSH — This PYQ asks about AYUSH, the ministry that organized the 9th Siddha Day celebrations described in this article.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the significance of the 9th Siddha Day celebrations inaugurated by Vice President Radhakrishnan in Chennai and the role of the AYUSH framework in promoting traditional medicine systems globally.
Answer (50 words):
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai on January 3, 2026, themed Siddha for Global Health. Organized by the Ministry of Ayush with the National Institute of Siddha, five eminent personalities were felicitated for contributions to preventive health and research advancement.
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Siddha Day is observed annually on which date to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, the father of Siddha medicine?
Siddha Day is annually observed on January 6 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine. The 9th Siddha Day in 2026 was inaugurated on January 3 as the central national event at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Who inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations on January 3, 2026 in Chennai?
Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.
What was the theme of the 9th Siddha Day?
The theme was Siddha for Global Health.
Whose birth anniversary does Siddha Day commemorate?
Siddha Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine, observed annually on January 6.
Which ministry organised the 9th Siddha Day celebrations?
The Ministry of Ayush organised the celebrations in partnership with the National Institute of Siddha, the Central Council for Research in Siddha, and the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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