Kerala is set to host a Global Ayurveda Festival, a mega event to promote the Ayurveda system of medicine, in Thiruvanathapuram beginning February 9 to 14, 2012.

The event, which includes a series of seminars, exhibitions, and events showcasing the potential of Ayurveda, will be organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), with the cooperation of the Department of Ayurveda.

Apart from the Department of Ayurveda, representatives and professional bodies from Ayurveda-based industries and the Ayurveda Medicine Manufacturers’ Association are associating with the event.

Seminars involving international Ayurveda experts, clinics by renowned practitioners, workshops, outreach programmes, job fair, exhibitions showcasing the latest in Ayurveda research and development, medicinal plants and herbal products, Ayurveda food fete, and expert deliberations on industry practices and regulatory affairs will be part of the six-day festival.

A health expo with over 300 stalls is being planned.  Government agencies and private sector players will take part in the expo of Ayurveda medicines, medicinal plants, herbal cosmetics, books, and journals. Ayurveda health-care practitioners will be available for consultations.

The event will focus on raising public awareness of the Ayurveda system of medicine and its possibilities. AYUSH (Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathy) clinics, traditional practitioners of Ayurveda, and representatives from the hospitality industry promoting Ayurveda-based tourism will also participate in the festival.