Bloodletting with Leeches in Indian administered Kashmir

People receive leech treatment as traditional health workers use leeches to suck impure blood as part of treatment on the bank of Dal lake.On Nowroz 21st March every year traditional health workers in Kashmir use leeches to treat people for itchy, painful lumps that develop on the skin called chilblains acquired during winter. Thousands of patients suffering from various skin problems receive leech treatment at Hazratbal in Srinagar, Indian administered Kashmir.