9th National Siddha Day: Celebrating 'Siddha for Global Health'

Syllabus: Health and Traditional Medicine

Ministry of Ayush

Why in news?

Ministry of Ayush to celebrate 9th Siddha Day on January 3, 2026 in Chennai with theme 'Siddha for Global Health', commemorating birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, father of Siddha medicine.

⚛️Static Concepts

WHO Global Traditional Medicine CentreNational AYUSH MissionICHI

📌

Prelims-Oriented Points

National Siddha Day observed annually on 6 January to mark birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar.
9th Siddha Day celebrations on 3 January 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai; theme: 'Siddha for Global Health'.
Key institutions: National Institute of Siddha (NIS) and Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS).
Five eminent personalities to be honored for contributions to Siddha system.

⚠️

Examiner's Trap: Siddha is predominantly practiced in Tamil Nadu and South India, distinct from Ayurveda in its philosophical and methodological approach.

Quick Data Points

Event: 9th Siddha Day

Date: 6 January (annual)

Celebration Date: 3 January 2026

Mains Value Addition

GS-2: Health, Traditional Medicine and International Health Cooperation

Traditional Medicine Integration: Aligns with WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 for health system integration.
Cultural Heritage: Siddha represents Tamil Nadu's ancient medical knowledge system requiring preservation and promotion.
Global Health: Theme emphasizes potential of traditional medicine in global healthcare delivery.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

🔍

Strategy Deep Dive