Lakhs queue up in Hyderabad for 'fish prasadam' that cures asthma
Take the cure
After Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem, the city is best known for a fish. Not necessarily for its taste but its purported asthma-healing abilities. An annual ritual started by a family since 1840, the 'fish prasadam' is believed to be a cure for many breathing disorders. This year's program began at 9 am on June 8 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally in the city.
1/6
AFP
The medicine
The fish is consumed with a yellow herbal paste. The paste is first stuffed into a live three centimetre-long murrel fish that is then slipped through the throat of the patient, who swallows it alive. The medicine is offered as 'prasadam' as a cure for asthma and other breathing disorders.
2/6
AFP
The magical drug
Hyderabad-based Battini Goud family has been dispensing the ‘fish prasadam' since 173 years. The ingredients of the paste is a family secret. They claim that the secret formula for the herbal medicine was given to their ancestor in 1845 by a saint after taking an oath from him that it would be administered free of cost.
While the annual event attracts lakhs of people from all parts of India, rationalist groups in the past have questioned the efficacy of the so-called medicine. However the family insists that their medicine is effective. "This is scientific. People have taken our samples to labs in Japan, Germany and got them tested. The concept is that when live fish moves, wagging its tail and fins through the throat, it clears all congestion. Thus, providing cure to asthma," Harinath Goud, one of the elders of the family told India Times last year.
4/6
AFP
Increasing faith
The medicine is administered on the auspicious day of 'Mrigasira Karti' which falls in June with the onset of the annual monsoon. The treatment draws thousands of people from all over the country. Despite no scientific proof of its medicinal qualities, every passing year the number of patients coming to Hyderabad is only increasing.
5/6
AFP
Not sure
A young girl reacts as she holds live fish in plastic bags while waiting to be administered 'fish medicine' by members of the Bathini Goud family at the exhibition ground in Hyderabad.
