Thousands Flock to Hyderabad’s Fish Prasadam: A Hopeful Remedy for Asthma and Respiratory Ailments
The Annual Fish Prasadam: A Beacon of Hope for Asthma Patients in Hyderabad
As the sultry heat of early June settles over Hyderabad, the air thick with anticipation, an extraordinary ritual unfolds that draws thousands of hopeful attendees to the bustling streets near the Ajanta Gate of the Exhibition Grounds. This year, on June 8, the Bathini Goud family continued their 170-year-long tradition of administering the "fish prasadam," a treatment believed to offer relief to asthma sufferers and those with respiratory ailments.
A Tradition Steeped in Faith
The event, held annually on the auspicious occasion of Mrigasira Karthi, attracts people from all corners of the country. With temperatures soaring to 33 °C, the weather did little to deter the steady stream of visitors eager for the famed treatment. The atmosphere resembled that of the annual Numaish fair, as shouts from traffic police mingled with the excited chatter of attendees.
- Location: Ajanta Gate of Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad
- Date: June 8, annually observed on Mrigasira Karthi
- Attendance: Thousands, including those from distant states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
The excitement was palpable as attendees lined up to purchase their ₹40 tokens, required to partake in this unique experience. With the ritual steeped in faith and tradition, participants believed that swallowing a specific murrel fish embedded with a secret herbal paste would ease their breathing troubles.
The Process of Receiving the Prasadam
Inside the exhibition grounds, the situation was organized but bustling, with volunteers expertly directing the flow of the crowd. After obtaining their tokens, participants made their way to the distribution point, where the iconic ritual took place.
- Purchase Token: Attendees buy a token for ₹40.
- Queue System: Participants form lines as directed by volunteers.
- Administering Prasadam: The murrel fish is carefully slipped down the throats of those seeking treatment.
- Post-treatment Care: Patients often rest on bedsheets set out across the grounds while waiting for their onward journeys.
A Journey of Hope and Recovery
Many attendees traveled long distances and arrived the day before to secure their place in the lineup. Shankar Sahni, 47, from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, shared his story: “I came to Hyderabad on June 7 and spent the night here. I have had breathing issues, though not formally diagnosed as asthma. I decided to try my luck this year after learning about it online.” His story is just one of many highlighting the desperation and hope that drive individuals to partake in the ritual.
Telangana’s Fisheries Department prepared for this unprecedented turnout, arranging over 1.5 lakh murrel fish. The minister of transport, Ponnam Prabhakar, inaugurated the event, stating, “For 170 years, the Bathini family has carried out this selfless service. Thousands have claimed relief from chronic respiratory problems after taking the prasadam. Their faith and the family’s dedication is truly remarkable.”
Stories of Transformation
Among the throngs were individuals returning for repeat doses, having experienced miraculous results in the past. Shekhar Patil from Mumbai explained, “My sister came here in 2019 with asthma and was cured after taking the prasadam. I have been diagnosed just last year, and now I have come, hoping it works for me too."
Others, like Ashish Singh from Mathura, traveled with their families in search of hope: “I want to try everything I can for my daughter. If this gives her even a little bit of relief, it’s worth the journey,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional investment of many attendees.
Community Support and the Atmosphere
The sense of community during the fish prasadam event is heartwarming. Volunteer organizations were on hand to distribute water, buttermilk, breakfast, and lunch to attendees. Many were observed resting in makeshift arrangements, lying on sheets while waiting for their return journeys. This element of communal support adds to the event’s charm, transforming it from a mere medical treatment into a gathering of shared experiences and collective hope.
In conclusion, the fish prasadam is more than a mere treatment for asthma; it represents a centuries-old tradition where faith intertwines with community, hope, and the quest for relief from chronic illnesses. Each year, the event draws in crowds of eager participants, united by their yearning for healing and the stories of transformation that echo through the generations. As long as the Bathini Goud family’s legacy endures, this remarkable tradition will continue to offer hope to countless individuals searching for solace from their ailments.
