Fish prasadam administration to resume after 3-yr Covid hiatus

 Hyderabad: After a Covid-induced break of three years, the Bathini Goud family announced the resumption of the fish prasadam administration from this year, with the event set for June 9, Mrigasira Karti.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the family said the event will start at 8 am, at the Exhibition Ground in Nampally.

The fish prasadam is a widely sought-after remedy for bronchial ailments, which has been administered for 190 years, with people from across the country flocking to the city on the day of the event. The remedy consists of a yellow pill, stuffed in a three-inch live murrel fish, which is to be swallowed whole by patients.

The last edition, held in 2019, saw an estimated seven lakh people. People continued to visit the city even in the Covid years, in the hope of getting the prasadam. Last year, people not only flocked to the Exhibition Ground, but also laid siege to the Bathini family’s residence in Doodhbowli, seeking the medicine.

The Bathini family said they will not charge people for the medicine and that the fish can be purchased from counters set up by the Telangana fisheries department, at Rs 30 each.

Bathini Amarnath Goud, one of the organisers, said, “Many social service organisations have come forward to provide shelter, food and water to people coming from the distant locations.” He cautioned the public against believing any impostor, as the prasadam is administered only at Exhibition Ground and is free of charge.

Bathini Gowri Shankar Goud, another family member, said, “Around 300 kg of prasadam will be prepared at 1 am on June 8, which is the muhurat. Distribution will take place on June 9, from 8 am, till 8 am of the next day. People suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, cough, etc can get relief by taking this prasadam on Mrigasira Karti day for four to six consecutive years.”