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In February, 1993, the Siri Singh Sahib issued a Proclamation that we should henceforth refer to "Karah Prashad" as "Guruprashad." (see Appendix) This makes it clear that we are referring to the Guru’s Vegetarian Prashad which is made of butter, flour, honey or sugar and water, and nothing else.
Traditionally, Guruparshad is distributed to the Sadh Sangat at the end of each Gurdwara program or ceremony. It is given to the Sangat after the Hukam is read. It is symbolic of the abundance and sustenance that we receive from the Guru, and that everything coming to us in life is the Guru’s gift (prashad) and is therefore sweet.
If Guruparshad is to be distributed, Anand Sahib must be sung. If there is no Guruparshad (i.e. if serving nuts or raisins), Anand Sahib is not sung.
The person who is overseeing the distribution of the Guruparshad will stand in front of it during Ardas with kirpan drawn. When in the Ardas the Guruparshad is blessed, the Guruparshad is cut with the clean kirpan. After the Hukam is read, the Guruparshad is first symbolically served to the Panj Piaray. This may be done by actually serving it to five people. (It is not appropriate to seek out Amritdhari Sikhs for this ceremony. All members of the sangat are equal in the Gurudwara. These people are served again when the general Sangat is served. ) Or the server may meditatively place five servings of the Guruparshad into a separate plate and then mix it back into the original bowl. Then a small amount of Guruparshad is placed into a small steel bowl for the person serving as Guru Granthi. Now the entire sangat may be served.
Those serving prashad should thoroughly wash their hands immediately before serving. (It is not hygienic enough to have washed your hands only before entering the Gurudwara.) It is not appropriate to serve if you have sores on your hands, or if you have a cold or other illness. When serving the Guruparshad, to avoid dropping any of it, keep the serving as compact as possible and avoid touching the hands of those you serve.
Guruparshad is received with cupped hands, as one is receiving the Guru’s blessing. It is acceptable to request a token amount if you need to, or you may receive it and then share it with another. But never turn it down altogether. After finishing the prashad, be sure to wash your hands before performing any duties in the Gurdwara.
