AT EXPLAINS : Hyderabad’s ‘Fish Prasadam’: Navigating Tradition, Unproven Claims, and the Scientific Divide
Vihar Vaishnav: Hyderabad, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, becomes the stage for an extraordinary annual event that draws hundreds of thousands: the ongoing distribution of 'Fish Prasadam' on 8th and 9th of June.
Far from a conventional medical procedure, this centuries-old practice involves swallowing a live murrel fish, believed by its proponents to be a miraculous cure for asthma and other respiratory ailments. Yet, this deep-rooted tradition exists in a fascinating, often contentious, dance with the scrutiny of modern science, creating a significant divide that encapsulates broader debates on traditional medicine, public health, and societal belief.
The Deep Roots of a Sacred Tradition: The Bathini Goud Legacy
The story of Fish Prasadam begins in 1845, rooted in the l...