“I’m 75. I’ve had respiratory problems for over 20 years. I tried everything, but nothing worked. But I haven’t given up. Every year, I take the Danapur train to Hyderabad, traveling 25 hours from my village in UP to reach the Nampally grounds for the fish prasad, which I believe will help me. I’ve been doing this for 5 years, and it’s helped me to stay hopeful.

The Bathini family distributes the fish prasad free of cost, just like they have for 178 years annually during Mrigasira Karthi, marking the onset of the monsoon according to traditions. I wait in line with thousands of others who suffer from breathing-related problems. When it’s my turn, I swallow the fish, hoping it will help. Maybe this year will be better. I’ll keep trying, as long as I can.”