Parshad
Parshad is a gift from the Guru. Krrah-Parshad is sanctified pudding.
Usually, Parshad means Krrah-Parshad.
As a precedence, wherever (Gurdwara, or elsewhere), a Diwan – Guru’s Darbar (holy gathering) is held, fresh Krrah-Parshad is prepared. In Gurdwaras where Sangat attends on some particular days only, but permanent Sewadar (caretaker) is there, preparing Parshad on non-Sangat days is the choice of the management. On such days, some other type of permitted thing e.g. Phullian (frosted puffed rice), Patasae (Patashae. Small sugar cakes), Makhaanae (sugar clusters), dry fruit etc. may be used.
Leftover Parshad
Fresh Parshad is distributed. If some previously prepared Parshad is leftover, it may be added to the fresh Parshad. It is said, the leftover Parshad should not be reheated. Can it be mixed with the freshly prepared Parshad. Yes, it can be added to that. It may be mixed with the leftover fresh Parshad. These are minor things.
Parshad from another Gurdwara
Sometimes, Parshad brought to Gurdwara from any other Gurdwara (Amritsar, Hazoor Sahib, Patna Sahib etc.), is mixed with the freshly prepared Parshad and distributed in the Sangat. This way, a small quantity of Parshad from a holy place, can be given to a large number of Sangat This mixing should be done after Ardas, Hukam and Kirpan Bhaet of the fresh Parshad.
Parshad – Re-offering Parshad
Parshad once offered, should not be offered to the Guru, again. Only fresh Parshad is offered.
Parshad – Source
Parshad is prepared in the Gurdwara, but it may come prepared from anywhere. It may be sent by anyone. the condition is that it should be prepared according to its discipline – clean body, clean clothes, head covered, and recitation of Gurbani when prepared.
Parshad for Odd Hours
See Parshad given above.
At odd hours, if Krrah-Parshad is finished, sweet puffed rice, sugar cakes, sugar clusters, dry fruit etc. is given.
Parshad to Keep for Long Time
Pinnee-Parshad – Pinnee means sweet cereal (mostly wheat flour) ball. Panjeeree is sweet cereal powder. These are given as Parshad to keep for a long time. Chhotee-Ilaechi – green cardamoms, dry fruit (almonds, other nuts, raisins); Kooza-Misree – sugar-crystals etc. may be given as Parshad to keep for still longer time.
Who Should Prepare Parshad?
Karrah Parshad may be prepared by anyone, anywhere, according to the discipline of preparing it, and brought to the Gurdwara, may be it is for start or Bhog (culmination) of any type of Paath (recitation) of Guru Granth Sahib, or it is an Akhand Paath – nonstop recitation.