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Something Fishy’s Going On! Thousands Line Up to Swallow Live Fish in India

© AP Photo / Mahesh Kumar A.Asthma patients display live fish they are carrying as they wait to receive special "fish medicine" which they hope will cure them in Hyderabad, India.
Asthma patients display live fish they are carrying as they wait to receive special fish medicine which they hope will cure them in Hyderabad, India. - Sputnik International
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Thousands of people suffering from breathing disorders are heading to Hyderabad just so they can swallow a fish, a practice many believe cures respiratory illness.

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In what can easily be called India's biggest free medicine extravaganza, the annual two-day fish distribution camp has kicked off in the southern state of Telangana.

The government has made extensive arrangements for the event, during which a live Murrel fish is slipped into the patients' throat.

What is known as "Fish Prasadam", the cure was the brainchild of Bathini Goud's family, which has been carrying out the tradition for several decades. The family claims the treatment cures asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illness.

During the event, a small sphere of yellow medicine is kept inside the fish's mouth and then the 2-3 inch fish is swallowed by the patient. The movement of the fish carrying the medicine clears the throat and thus curing the disorders, the family says. However, the practice has come under intense mockery and criticism from atheists and activists.

​Speaking to Sputnik, Ramesh Reddy, one of the thousands who is seeking the cure, said, "We simply believe this can cure our diseases. It's our belief so there is no question of a need for any scientific evidence of sorts."

In a press statement, the Telangana police said, "There is no need to panic and get excited; prasadam will be distributed till the last person arrives at the exhibition grounds. People are requested to avoid morning time for taking Fish Prasadam to avoid congestion and stampede and to cooperate with police."

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