Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Nanak Gurupurab will be celebrated tomorrow. The auspicious occasion marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. One of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs, the day is celebrated with devotional songs, processions, langar, and, of course, the delicious Karah Prasad. Here’s a look at the history of Karah Prasad along with a simple recipe by Chef Vikas Khanna.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: The History Of Karah Prasad & Its Significance
If you have ever visited a Gurudwara, you are probably familiar with that sweet prasad offered as you leave. It’s not only tasty but also carries deep meaning. This prasad, made with wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, has a rich history related to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Karah Prasad, a kind of ‘atte ka halwa’, is distributed in all Sikh Gurudwaras. This prasad is connected to the practice of Langar, a free meal service started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1481.
Through Langar, he aimed to bring people together irrespective of their backgrounds, caste and religion. You would also like to know that while preparing Karah Prasad, verses from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (sikh holy book) are recited, making the prasad more divine. It is believed that reciting verses makes the Karah Prasad more divine, pure, and nourishing. During cooking, the prasad is covered with a white cloth, which symbolises cleanliness, and a small kirpan(sword) is used to stir it, which represents unity. The ingredients for the prasad are often donated by the devotees to the gurudwara.
Origin Of Karah Prasad
A unique fact about Karah Prasad is that it uses equal quantities of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, representing equality, one of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s principles. According to some legends, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is said to have cooked the first batch of Karah Prasad during one of his journeys. He wanted to spread the message of peace and love by distributing this prasad. Langar was also part of his ‘sewa’, which is a selfless service he started to ensure that no one slept hungry.
Langar meals are simple and home-cooked, often including chapatis, dal, seasonal vegetables, kadhi chawal, and kheer. Karah Prasad, though part of this tradition, is often distributed separately at Gurudwaras. It is also prepared by Sikh families at home to mark special occasions and religious ceremonies.
Also Read: 10 Sacred Gurudwaras Across The World To Visit This Guru Nanak Jayanti
Recipe By Chef Vikas Khanna
Karah Prasad is not just a sweet dish but a symbol of equality, unity, and blessings. To celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti this year, here’s an easy Karah Prasad recipe by Chef Vikas Khanna that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar
- 2.5 cups water
Method:
- In a pan, boil water and add sugar until it completely dissolves.
- In another pan, add ghee and roast the wheat flour on a low-medium flame until it turns a rich brown colour. Keep stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the roasted flour while stirring constantly until it thickens.
- That’s it, serve it hot!
This recipe follows a 1:1:1 ratio, which is quite easy, right?
So, if you are celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurupurab tomorrow, make sure to visit a Gurudwara for a wholesome langar and a serving of Karah Prasad. Or, try this simple recipe at home to mark the day!
Cover Image Courtesy: @boowoo06/X and Pinterest/ a misanthrope