Siddha day is annually observed across India on 23rd December to create awareness about the Siddha system of medicine. The day is annually organised by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy(AYUSH) on the eve of the birthday of Siddhar Agathiyar, which falls during the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Margazhi.
- In 2021, the Siddha Day falls on 23rd December 2021.
- The year 2021 marks the celebration of the 5th Siddha Day.
The theme of the 5th Siddha Day is “Strength of Siddha in Communicable Diseases”, which sensitises the public on the importance of the Siddha system in tackling communicable diseases.
Previous editions of Siddha Day:
The first-ever National Siddha Day was observed on 4th January 2018.
- The 2nd National Siddha Day – 26th December 2018.
- The 3rd National Siddha Day – 13th January 2020.
- The 4th National Siddha Day – 2nd January 2021.
About Agathiyar:
i.According to the Tamil tradition, there are 18 Siddhars, who are considered as the pillars of Siddha medicine.
ii.Agathiyar is the first Siddhar and he is considered as the ‘Father of Tamil literature.
iii.He compiled the first Tamil grammar which is called ‘Agathiyam’.
iv.He is believed to be the author of around 96 books which includes classical works like Vaidiya Sigamani, Chendooram – 300, Mani-400, Sivajalam, Sakthijalam.
v.One of his major contributions includes the martial art of Kalari which emphasis on unarmed combat and Varmam techniques; that includes Varma therapy, Kalari healing procedures and Silambam.
Events of 5th Siddha Day:
i.The 5th Siddha Day celebrations held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu was inaugurated by the (Chief Guest) Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ayush.
ii.The celebration of the 5th edition of Siddha Day was jointly organised by the Central Council for Research in Siddha(CCRS), National Institute of Siddha(NIS), Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai and the Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Key people:
Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State for Ayush, Maa. Subramanian, Minister of Health & Family Welfare Development, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy(AYUSH):
Union Minister– Sarbananda Sonowal(Rajya Sabha- Assam)
Minister of State– Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai(Constituency- Surendranagar, Gujarat)
