In Sikhism, Karah Parshad (Punjabi: ਕੜਾਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ ), alternatively known as Deg or Degh (literally meaning "cooking pot") ,
Overview
It is regarded as a treat for attendees of gurmat seminars. As a sign of humanity and respect, visitors accept the Prashad sitting, with hands raised and cupped. The offering and receiving of this food is a vital part of
hospitality protocols. It has the same amount of whole-wheat flour, clarified butter and sugar, to emphasize the equality of men and women. The Sewadar serves it out of the same bowl to everyone in equal portions.
The Karah prasad is a sacred food; if it is not accepted, it may be interpreted by some Sikhs as an insult. Prashad is also taken at the initiation ceremony of
Amrit Sanchar at the very end where it is shared out equally among all.
It is a symbol showing that everyone is equal.
The sacred food is also distributed during
Naam Karan and
Antam Sanskar ceremonies.
The Gurdwara is the place where Sikhs go to worship.
History
According to W.H. McLeod, the practices surrounding karah prasad were presumably taken from the Hindu custom of offering
Prasada in temples.
Variants
In Pakistan, visiting Sikh
Yatra pilgrims are given
pinni parshad, prepared by adding semolina to
sattu, wheat, or ordinary flour.
The wheat flour is heated in a large pot and
Ghee is added to the pot.
After the oil is absorbed, refined crushed sugar is mixed in.
Dried fennel seeds and thinly-sliced almonds are crushed and mixed in.
The resultant pinni parshad can last for several months whilst still being edible.
The reason Sikh pilgrims are given pinni parshad insead of halwa parshad is due to halwa parshad being more perishable, thus one cannot present it after long periods of time as a
tabarruk.
See also
