Every year, thousands of people from across India gather in Hyderabad for a unique and time-honored ritual called Chepa Mandu—a traditional asthma remedy popularly known as Fish Prasadam. In 2025, this event returns with renewed anticipation, offering spiritual hope and alternative relief to those suffering from respiratory ailments.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, here’s your complete guide to the Chepa Mandu 2025 dates, timings, price, and location in Hyderabad.
What is Chepa Mandu? A Brief Introduction
Chepa Mandu, which translates to “fish medicine” in Telugu, is a traditional remedy distributed by the Bathini Goud family. This unique preparation involves a live murrel fish being slipped into the throat of the patient after it’s coated with a secret herbal paste. The process is believed to cure asthma and other chronic breathing disorders.
- 🌿 Natural remedy using traditional herbs
- 🐟 Live fish administration, swallowed whole
- 🕊️ Free of cost, rooted in spiritual belief
- 📍 Held annually in Hyderabad, Telangana
This event has gained nationwide recognition and draws lakhs of participants every year.
Chepa Mandu 2025 Dates, Time & Location
Here's everything you need to know about the official schedule and venue for the 2025 Chepa Mandu distribution:
📅 Date
- June 8, 2025 (Sunday)
- Coincides with Mrigasira Karte, an auspicious day in the Telugu calendar
🕒 Timings
- Distribution begins at 10:00 AM
- Continues for 24 hours non-stop
📍 Location
- Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Easily accessible by train, metro, and road transport
Chepa Mandu Process: How It Works
The distribution of Chepa Mandu follows a sacred and strictly followed procedure. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it’s administered:
🧾 Step 1: Registration (Optional but Advised)
- While the medicine is free, early registration helps reduce wait time.
- Online forms or on-site counters available at the venue.
🐟 Step 2: Preparation of Fish
- A small murrel fish (singhi fish) is selected.
- A secret herbal paste (passed down by generations of the Bathini family) is filled inside the fish’s mouth.
👄 Step 3: Ingestion
- The participant is instructed to swallow the fish whole, without chewing.
- It’s advised to drink water immediately after to ease the process.
🥘 Step 4: Post-Intake Diet
- A strict diet is followed for 45 days.
- No fried, spicy, or cold food is allowed.
- Certain vegetables and meat are also restricted.
Price of Chepa Mandu in 2025: Is It Free?
One of the most respected aspects of this tradition is that Chepa Mandu is absolutely free of cost.
✅ What You Pay:
- Nothing for the medicine itself
- Small voluntary donations (optional) are accepted
- Only cost incurred is for travel, food, and accommodation
⚠️ Beware of middlemen or fake vendors trying to sell the medicine. The Bathini family does not charge for the prasadam.
Travel & Accommodation Tips for 2025
Planning your visit to Hyderabad for Chepa Mandu? Here are some travel insights:
🛏️ Stay Near Nampally
- Budget hotels: Hotel Rajdhani, Hotel Harsha (₹1000–₹1500)
- Mid-range: Hotel Royalton, Treebo Trend (₹1500–₹2500)
- Luxury: ITC Kakatiya, Marriott (₹5000+)
🚉 How to Reach Nampally Exhibition Grounds
- By Train: Nampally Railway Station (5 min walk)
- By Metro: Gandhi Bhavan Metro Station (closest)
- By Road: Ample parking; Ola/Uber available
Rules and Guidelines for Participants
To ensure safety and smooth operation, visitors are expected to follow some basic rules:
- Follow the dietary restrictions strictly post-prasadam
- Carry an ID card for verification
- Do not bring pets or valuables
- Senior citizens should carry essential medicines
- Use official medical tents for emergency aid
Crowd Management & Support Services
Given the popularity of the event, traffic and crowd management are major concerns. The Telangana government provides full support:
- Traffic police deploy diversions around Nampally
- First aid camps and mobile ambulances on standby
- Free water, snacks, and meals by NGOs and Seva Samitis
- Separate lanes for senior citizens, women, and children
Similar Events You Can Explore
While Chepa Mandu is the most famous fish-based medicine event, a few other spiritual healing events occur around Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. However, none match the scale or history of this tradition.
FAQs About Chepa Mandu in Hyderabad 2025
❓ What is the meaning of Chepa Mandu?
Chepa Mandu means “fish medicine” in Telugu, referring to the herbal paste-filled fish swallowed to treat asthma.
❓ Is it safe to swallow a live fish?
It is considered safe if done correctly. However, those with underlying conditions should consult a physician before participating.
❓ Is the event scientifically proven?
No formal scientific validation exists, though many people claim relief from asthma. It is a spiritual and traditional remedy.
❓ Can I get a vegetarian version of the medicine?
The core ritual involves a live fish, but herbal capsules are sometimes given to vegetarians as an alternative. However, results may vary.
❓ Are foreigners or tourists allowed to attend?
Yes. People from all religions, nationalities, and backgrounds are welcome. Translators and volunteers are usually present to assist.
Final Thoughts
The Chepa Mandu 2025 event in Hyderabad is not just a medicinal ritual—it’s a blend of tradition, faith, and community spirit. Whether you believe in its healing power or simply want to witness this cultural marvel, it’s an event worth experiencing.
- 📅 Mark your calendar: June 8, 2025
- 📍 Reach early to avoid long queues
- 🧘 Come with an open mind and faith in the process
If you’re traveling from outside the city, book your stay and transport early, and prepare to witness one of India’s most fascinating traditional healing events.
