Thousands Flock to Nampally for Rare 'Fish Prasadam' Asthma Relief

The annual distribution of 'fish prasadam' in Nampally drew crowds of asthma patients seeking relief. The Bathini Goud family's ritual involves administering a live fish with herbal paste. As patients journeyed from afar, the event was marked by organized logistics and high yet hopeful turnout.

Thousands of individuals from various parts of India gathered at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally on Monday for the annual 'fish prasadam' distribution, a ritual believed to bring relief to asthma patients. The Bathini Goud family conducts this unique practice, which involves placing a live sardine fingerling, filled with a secret herbal concoction, into the patient's throat. The ceremony traditionally aligns with Mrigasira Karthi, a time heralded as ideal for the treatment's effectiveness.

By the evening of Monday, extensive queues had formed as patients, some traveling from distant states, awaited their turn. The venue has been fortified with extensive barricades, and additional security personnel have been deployed to manage the crowd effectively. To ensure comfort, authorities have installed public amenities such as medical aid camps and water stations throughout the grounds. The event, viewed with skepticism by some in the scientific community, nonetheless garners fervent belief and testimonials from attendees.

Visitors like Hanumanth from Maharashtra reported significant relief, stating, "I am feeling 85 percent relieved from these medicines," while expressing appreciation for the crowd management efforts. First-time attendee Rampravesh from Delhi praised the logistical arrangements such as accommodations. Rithu from Uttar Pradesh shared similar sentiments, applauding the Telangana police for their crowd control.

Rohit Kumar traveled from Bihar with a group, highlighting the availability of basic necessities, including free meals provided for devotees. The distribution will continue over two days, with organizers anticipating steady attendance as more patients arrive to partake in this traditional remedy.