Hyderabad: NGO demands for no 'fish festival' this year

Hyderabad: Since the current pandemic scare, many people have been distressed over-celebrating any festival with social gatherings.

Due to this a city-based NGO named Balala Hakkula Sangham (BHS) has urged the state government not to allow the annual 'fish medicine' event for the people suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems here scheduled next month in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of asthma patients from various parts of the country gather in Hyderabad to receive the 'fish prasadam' (offering), as the medicine began to be called by the Bathini Goud family a decade ago after rationalists challenged its efficacy.

The asthmatics gulp down a live 'murrel' fish with a yellow herbal paste in its mouth, which is believed to provide the much-needed relief, if taken for three consecutive years. For vegetarians, the family gives the medicine with jaggery.

Speaking to The Hans India, Achyuta Rao, President of BHS said, "During this tough time, even if one COVID positive person will be present at the event, it is going to effect hundreds of people present there. It is also going to effect the volunteers present there. This would also effect the children and elderly, the World Health Organization has stated that children and elderly are vulnerable to the virus."

Every year, various governmental departments make elaborate arrangements for the annual event held in Exhibition Grounds in the heart of the city.