Faith, hope and a fish: Over 2.7 lakh flock to Hyderabad for 180-year-old tradition
Lakhs of people gathered at Hyderabad's Nampally grounds for the annual Fish Prasadam distribution. The turnout reflected enduring faith in a nearly 180-year-old practice despite scientific debate.
As the clock struck 9 PM on Monday, a centuries-old ritual began once again in the heart of Hyderabad. By noon the next day, nearly 2.7 lakh people had already passed through the sprawling Exhibition Grounds at Nampally, united by a common belief that a tiny fish carrying a secret herbal paste could offer relief from respiratory ailments and renewed hope for healthier days ahead.
From the narrow lanes of Odisha to the villages of Bihar, from Telangana's towns to distant corners of the country, families travelled hundreds of kilometres to be part of the annual Fish Prasadam (Chepa Prasadam) distribution conducted by the Bathini family on the occasion of Mrigasira Karthi.
The sea of humanity at the venue was hard to miss. Elderly patients leaned on family members, parents carried children in their arms, and volunteers guided endless queues that snaked through the grounds. Despite the crowds, there was a sense of patience and anticipation among those waiting for their turn.
Organisers said that around 2.7 lakh people had received the prasadam by noon, and expected another 60,000 to one lakh beneficiaries before the event concluded, pushing the total turnout well beyond the three-lakh mark.
At the centre of the tradition is a small murrel fish carrying a closely guarded herbal formulation prepared by the Bathini family. The fish is administered to recipients, while vegetarians are provided the same herbal preparation mixed with jaggery.
For many, it is more than a remedy it is a family tradition passed down through generations.
Bathini Anirudh Goud, representing the Bathini family, said the response this year has been overwhelming.
"The auspicious time to begin the prasadam distribution was last night at 9 pm. By now, nearly 2.7 lakh people have already received the prasadam. We expect another 60,000 to one lakh people before the distribution concludes. Devotees have come from different states with faith and hope. Our family continues this service free of cost, as it has been done for generations," he said.
According to the family, the tradition traces its origins to 1845, when a saint is believed to have shared a secret herbal formula with their ancestor, Bathini Veeranna Goud, on the condition that it would always be distributed free of cost to the public. Nearly 180 years later, the practice continues to attract lakhs of people every year.
For beneficiaries, the journey is often as significant as the destination.
Kapil, who travelled from Odisha with his family, said:
"Many people we know have been taking the prasadam for years. We came all the way from Odisha because we wanted to continue the tradition and experience it ourselves. It's actually a cure."
A recipient from Bihar echoed a similar sentiment.
"We travelled overnight to Hyderabad. Despite the huge crowd, the arrangements are good. We came with faith and are happy to receive the prasadam. This has given permanent relief from the asthma issue I had."
Behind the scenes, hundreds of personnel worked to keep the event running smoothly. Authorities put in place extensive arrangements for crowd control, medical assistance, sanitation, drinking water and security to manage the massive influx of visitors.
The Fish Prasadam has long occupied a unique space where faith meets debate. While devotees continue to swear by its benefits, medical experts maintain that there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving it cures asthma or respiratory illnesses.
Yet, as thousands continued to pour into Nampally through the day, the debate seemed distant from the emotions visible on the ground. For those standing in line, some after travelling overnight and others after waiting for hours, the annual gathering was about deep personal faith, hope and the possibility of breathing a little easier.
And so, for another year, Hyderabad became the stage for one of India's most extraordinary traditions, where lakhs of people place their trust in a tiny fish, a secret herbal formula and a legacy that has endured for nearly two centuries.
As the clock struck 9 PM on Monday, a centuries-old ritual began once again in the heart of Hyderabad. By noon the next day, nearly 2.7 lakh people had already passed through the sprawling Exhibition Grounds at Nampally, united by a common belief that a tiny fish carrying a secret herbal paste could offer relief from respiratory ailments and renewed hope for healthier days ahead.
From the narrow lanes of Odisha to the villages of Bihar, from Telangana's towns to distant corners of the country, families travelled hundreds of kilometres to be part of the annual Fish Prasadam (Chepa Prasadam) distribution conducted by the Bathini family on the occasion of Mrigasira Karthi.
The sea of humanity at the venue was hard to miss. Elderly patients leaned on family members, parents carried children in their arms, and volunteers guided endless queues that snaked through the grounds. Despite the crowds, there was a sense of patience and anticipation among those waiting for their turn.
Organisers said that around 2.7 lakh people had received the prasadam by noon, and expected another 60,000 to one lakh beneficiaries before the event concluded, pushing the total turnout well beyond the three-lakh mark.
At the centre of the tradition is a small murrel fish carrying a closely guarded herbal formulation prepared by the Bathini family. The fish is administered to recipients, while vegetarians are provided the same herbal preparation mixed with jaggery.
For many, it is more than a remedy it is a family tradition passed down through generations.
Bathini Anirudh Goud, representing the Bathini family, said the response this year has been overwhelming.
"The auspicious time to begin the prasadam distribution was last night at 9 pm. By now, nearly 2.7 lakh people have already received the prasadam. We expect another 60,000 to one lakh people before the distribution concludes. Devotees have come from different states with faith and hope. Our family continues this service free of cost, as it has been done for generations," he said.
According to the family, the tradition traces its origins to 1845, when a saint is believed to have shared a secret herbal formula with their ancestor, Bathini Veeranna Goud, on the condition that it would always be distributed free of cost to the public. Nearly 180 years later, the practice continues to attract lakhs of people every year.
For beneficiaries, the journey is often as significant as the destination.
Kapil, who travelled from Odisha with his family, said:
"Many people we know have been taking the prasadam for years. We came all the way from Odisha because we wanted to continue the tradition and experience it ourselves. It's actually a cure."
A recipient from Bihar echoed a similar sentiment.
"We travelled overnight to Hyderabad. Despite the huge crowd, the arrangements are good. We came with faith and are happy to receive the prasadam. This has given permanent relief from the asthma issue I had."
Behind the scenes, hundreds of personnel worked to keep the event running smoothly. Authorities put in place extensive arrangements for crowd control, medical assistance, sanitation, drinking water and security to manage the massive influx of visitors.
The Fish Prasadam has long occupied a unique space where faith meets debate. While devotees continue to swear by its benefits, medical experts maintain that there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving it cures asthma or respiratory illnesses.
Yet, as thousands continued to pour into Nampally through the day, the debate seemed distant from the emotions visible on the ground. For those standing in line, some after travelling overnight and others after waiting for hours, the annual gathering was about deep personal faith, hope and the possibility of breathing a little easier.
And so, for another year, Hyderabad became the stage for one of India's most extraordinary traditions, where lakhs of people place their trust in a tiny fish, a secret herbal formula and a legacy that has endured for nearly two centuries.
