Chennai: Chennai witnessed a grand celebration of Siddha medicine with the Mega Siddha Exhibition, Navaratna 2025, held from February 1 to 9 at the B.M. Birla Planetarium campus.

Organized by the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) as part of Siddha Day celebrations, the event was led by CCRS Director General Dr. N.J. Muthukumar and inaugurated by Dr. V. Banumathy. Eminent guests, including Dr. G. Thiagarajan, Dr. Madhukumar, and Mr. I.K. Lenin Tamizhkovan, graced the occasion.

The exhibition highlighted nine core aspects of Siddha medicine, covering principles, medicinal herbs, external therapies, dietary practices, and traditional treatments.

Seventeen government and private Siddha medical colleges participated, engaging nearly 15,000 visitors. A free medical camp treated 1,200 individuals and conducted 800 blood tests, while 9,000 herbal plants, including Nilavenbu and Tulsi, were distributed. Attendees also enjoyed Siddha foods such as Hibiscus tea and Panchamutti Kanji.

CCRS publications saw high demand, and the valedictory function, presided over by Dr. Muthukumar, honored outstanding exhibitors and students.

Coordinated by Dr. R. Kanagarajan, Dr. S. Selvarajan, and Dr. A. Rajendra Kumar, Navaratna 2025 reinforced the significance of Siddha medicine in promoting holistic health.