India is a land of diversities – we have many different religions, castes, sects, languages, traditions and practices. These practices, on their own, are unique – in terms of rituals, ceremonies, and also the food that is cooked/consumed. I’ve always been intrigued by these very, very interesting customs and have decided to explore and write about them.

I am a Hindu, married to a Sikh. I visit the temple (Hindu place of worship) and the Gurdwara (“Doorway to the Guru”, the Sikh place of worship). My trips to the Gurdwara have obviously become more frequent ever since I met my wife, but even as a child, I would never miss an opportunity to visit one.

Pics from my last visit to the Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Patna, Bihar, India

Gurdwaras are always very clean and very quiet, but the number one attraction for me has been the ‘Kada Prasad’ or the sacred pudding (very very tasty!). All visitors to a Gurdwara are offered the Kada Prasad. “Prasad” means a religious offering and “Kada” is the iron pan in which it is cooked. Kada Prasad holds a lot of importance in Sikhism. The religion prescribes strict rituals for preparation, distribution and receiving of Kada Prasad.

Preparation&layout of Kada Prasad (Pics : flickr.com)

For preparation

1)    Place for preparation must be swept and plastered.

2)    Cooking vessels must be scoured and washed clean.

3)    The person preparing Kada Prasad must bathe and must utter only `Praise to the Guru'.

4)    Fill a new pitcher with water.

5)    In a clean large iron pan (Kada), equal quantities of three contents - coarsely refined wheat flour, pure sugar and clarified butter or ghee should be heated (constant stirring is required), and it should be done reciting the Scriptures.

6)    When the kada prasad is ready, it should be covered with a clean piece of cloth.

7)    The prasad must be placed on a four-legged clean stool in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book in Sikhism).

8)   The first five and the last stanza of the Anand Sahib should be recited aloud (so that the congregation can hear).

9)   If another vessel of the sacred pudding is brought in after the recitation of the Anand Sahib, it is not necessary to repeat the recitation. Offering of the pudding brought later to the sacred Kirpan is enough.

 Method of Distribution

1)   In order to strengthen it symbolically, before distribution, kada prasad should be touched with the point of a kirpan which is a ceremonial sword or dagger worn by all baptised Sikhs.

2)   The share of the five beloved ones should be set apart and given away.

3)   Then, the share of the person in attendance of the Guru Granth Sahib should be put in a small bowl and handed over.

4)   The religion says that the Prasad should be distributed without any discrimination, be it on the basis of religion, caste or ancestry.

Right Way to Receive Kada Prasad

1)   Kada prasad is considered sacred in Sikhism and should be accepted with respect and in a proper way - sitting down with cupped hands raised high to help the Sewadar or volunteer to serve with ease.

2)   The Prasad should then be transferred to the palm of one hand and eaten with the other.

3)   Some devotees could be averse to consuming Kada Prasad which is high in sugar and fat. In that case you must request the volunteer for a “smaller portion” as he approaches you and before you put up your cupped hands. This is important as according to the religion, Kada prasad is regarded as food blessed by the Guru and should not be refused or thrown away.