KARHAAH PARSHAAD (Prashada)
Karhaah Parshaad (Karhaah is a specific pudding and Parshaad means blessing). It is food blessed by God. It is the Parshaad (blessing) of God.
Karhaah Parshaad is prepared with equal proportions of flour, sugar and ghee/ghio (clarified butter) and almost a triple portion of water. Hymn is read while preparing it. When it is ready, it is taken to the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.
After recitation of the first five and the last stanza of Anand Sahib, followed by Ardaas (prayer) {which is: seeking blessing and approval of Guru/God} and reading of Vaak (random reading of a stanza (from Guru Granth Sahib), it becomes blessed i.e. Karhaah Parshaad.
Lastly, it is distributed among the persons present in the congregation. One must have covered his/her head and should spread both his hands (in cupped shape) to receive it.
Though Karhaah Parshaad is not eaten in plates or with spoons as a dish, but, majority of the scholars feel that it is better if it is served in plates, bowls or cups and/or is distributed with service spoons instead of hands (the same view was expressed by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha in Gurmat Maartand (publication of the S.G.P.C., pp. 291-92 of 1978 edition).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)