Hyderabad- As the monsoon season begins in southern India , Hyderabad's Nampally Exhibition Ground has become a center of hope for thousands of asthma and respiratory patients. On June 8, the annual distribution of 'Fish Prasadam' by the Bathini Goud family commenced, attracting hundreds of participants from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.
This unique tradition, nearly 180 years old, involves swallowing a live murrel fish with a bitter yellow herbal paste on the occasion of Mrigashira Karthi. It is believed that consuming this for three consecutive years provides relief from respiratory ailments. For vegetarians, the paste is given with jaggery. The recipe for this paste is known only to the family that prepares it.
It is claimed that if a person takes this fish medicine for three years on Mrigashira Karthi, they can be completely cured of asthma. This practice has been widely promoted on social media, with dedicated community pages highlighting its purported benefits.
Mrigashira Karthi (Mrigashirsha) marks the sun's entry and transit into the Mrigashira nakshatra. It usually falls in the first week of June each year. According to the Hindu calendar, Mrigashira Karthi symbolizes the onset of the monsoon season. This year, it falls on June 8, Sunday.
On Sunday, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MP Anil Kumar Yadav inaugurated the event. To ensure smooth operations, 13 counters and 42 queues were set up.
The Bathini family claims that a saint gave them this formula in 1845, and they distribute it free of cost. The Telangana Fisheries Department supplied 1.5 lakh murrel fingerlings for the event, while the police installed 70 CCTV cameras for security. Departments like GHMC, Revenue, and Fire Services collaborated to manage arrangements. NGOs provided food, and special buses transported patients from stations like Secunderabad and Kacheguda.
According to content writer Manisha Sai Tulabandula, the Bathini family distributes it for free, making it accessible to all economic classes. This centuries-old tradition remains a symbol of faith and hope for many. Some patients claim relief lasting months or even years after a single dose. It is promoted as a natural remedy with no side effects.
The medical community remains skeptical about Hyderabad's Fish Prasadam due to the lack of scientific evidence or clinical trials supporting its efficacy. Over the past 15 years, critics have raised concerns, calling it a fraud and warning that the herbal paste may contain heavy metals harmful to health. Court-ordered lab tests were conducted, with the Bathini family claiming the results confirmed the paste's safety. Following criticism, they rebranded it from "Fish Medicine" to "Fish Prasadam" to emphasize its spiritual significance.
No controlled scientific studies have been conducted to validate its effectiveness. Extensive research is needed for scientific validation, which has not yet been undertaken.
Critics highlight health risks, including choking hazards from swallowing live fish—especially for patients with pre-existing conditions. The potential presence of heavy metals in the herbal paste is another concern. Additionally, those allergic to seafood may face adverse reactions.
While many patients believe in its benefits, doctors suggest it may be a placebo effect. The Bathini family advises a strict diet and follow-up doses (during Ardra, Punarvasu, and Pushyam nakshatras) over 45 days. However, medical professionals caution that perceived benefits could be psychological rather than medicinal.
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