Karah Parshad
| Type | Halva |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Whole-wheat flour, butter, sugar |
 Cookbook: Karah Parshad  Media: Karah Parshad | |
In Sikhism, Karah Parshad is a type of semolina halva made with equal portions of whole-wheat flour, 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 accepted may be interpreted by some Sikhs as an insult. Karah Parshad is also taken at the initiation ceremony of Amrit Sanchar at the very end where it is shared out equally among all. It is a symbol showing that everyone is equal.
The Gurudwara is the place where Sikhs go to worship. Gurudwaras can be any size or shape, but one thing they always have is a kitchen, or langar. People can go there for food, and can even rest there for the night. Every day a meal is prepared here for as many people who want to eat, you can eat free here.