The birth anniversary of Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine and the foremost Siddhar, born under the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Margazhi, is observed as Siddha Medicine Day. The 9th National Siddha Medicine Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across all Siddha medicine departments in Puducherry, Karaikal and Mahe.
As part of the celebrations, a series of three events were organised in Puducherry to create public awareness about personal hygiene and the importance of Siddha medicine. The programme included a large-scale health awareness rally, a tree-planting drive at Bharathi Park and a free Siddha medical camp at the AYUSH Directorate complex.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy flagged off the two-wheeler awareness rally, marking the beginning of the events. He later participated in the tree-planting ceremony at Bharathi Park and inaugurated the free Siddha medical camp at the AYUSH Directorate office.
Tourism and Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, AYUSH Director S Indira, along with departmental officials, Siddha doctors, pharmacists and members of the public, took part in the programme.
Officials said the events were aimed at promoting awareness about the traditional Siddha system of medicine and encouraging the public to adopt healthy lifestyle practices rooted in indigenous medical knowledge.
