Hyderabad set to host 'Fish Prasadam' after 3 years; 2 lakh people expected

Hyderabad: The annual 'Fish Prasadam' believed as a medicine to cure asthma and other respiratory ailments, is back in Hyderabad after a break of three years.

The annual event was suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bathini Goud family will administer the medicine from 8 a.m. on June 9 till 8 a.m. on June 10 at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally.

The practice of preparing and distributing fish prasadam started several decades ago by the Bathini family, popularly known as a miracle medicine.

What is fish prasadam?

The origin of fish prasadam can be traced back to the Bathini Goud Brothers, a family of traditional fish medicine practitioners.

Every year, lakhs of asthma patients from both Telugu states visit Hyderabad to take the 'fish prasadam', distributed by Bathini family for more than 190 years. The family members started administering this prasadam to mark 'Mrigasira Karti', which heralds the onset of monsoon.

Prepared during Mrigasira Karthi:

The preparation of fish prasadam typically takes place during the Mrigasira Karthi, a specific period in the Hindu calendar that usually falls in June.

Family members of the trust believe that if this Prasadam is taken on Mrigasira Karte for four to six consecutive years, these respiratory diseases are almost cured.

During the preparation of prasadam, a live 'murrel fish' is filled with a secret herbal yellow paste made from a combination of various medicinal ingredients. This fish is then administered to the people. They have to swallow the live fish, and the wriggling motion of the fish helps to clear phlegm. The Bathini family believes that the medicine possesses healing properties for respiratory ailments.

It claims that the secret formula for the herbal medicine was given to their ancestors in the 1840s by a saint after taking an oath from him that it would be administered free of cost.

The practice of fish prasadam gained popularity over the years due to the claims made by devotees who experienced relief from asthma and other respiratory conditions after consuming the fish. The event has become a major annual attraction in Hyderabad, with devotees lining up for hours to receive the fish prasadam.

No scientific validity:

Fish prasadam remains a unique and controversial tradition in Hyderabad, blending elements of faith, tradition, and alternative medicine. It is important to note that the scientific validity and effectiveness of fish prasadam in treating respiratory ailments have not been conclusively proven.

Despite objections from healthcare professionals, in recent years, the event has received state support

Murrel fish:

Murrel is herrings, a type of fish that is often eaten whole, without wasting any part. This fish contains Omega 3 and Vitamin B12. Fish can help an individual with high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and arthritis.

More than 2 lakh expected:

According to the members of the trust, the fish prasadam is being prepared for around 2 lakh people.

In recent years, efforts have been made to regulate the event and ensure the safety of the devotees. Measures such as setting up medical camps and providing crowd management systems have been implemented to handle a large number of participants.