Karah Parshad

In Sikhism, Karah Parshad is a type of Semolina halva made with equal portions of semolina, butter, and sugar. It is offered to all visitors to the Darbar Sahib in a Gurdwara. It is regarded as food blessed by the guru and should not be refused. As it has a very high sugar and oil content, visitors may ask the Sewadar for a small portion. As a sign of humility and respect, visitors accept the Karah Parshad 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 semolina, butter and sugar, to emphasise the equality of men and women. The Sewadar serves it out of the same bowl to everyone in equal portions. The Karah Parshad is a food which if not taken is found as an insult to God. Karah Parshad is also taken at the initiation ceremony of Amrit Sanskar at the very end where it is shared out equally among all.
Category:Sikh terms
Category:Religious food and drink
Category:Confectionery