Kada Prasad: Recipe, Ingredients, And Significance At The Golden Temple

Discover how to prepare Kada Prasad, a revered offering at the Golden Temple. Learn about the ingredients needed for this simple yet sacred recipe and understand its deep significance in Sikh tradition.

Published On Aug 04, 2024 | Updated On Aug 04, 2024

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Kada Prasad, also known as deg, is a delicious halwa held in high regard and is served in gurudwaras. Gurudwara kada prasad is more than a dish; it is a symbol of equality, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Sikhism. The halwa is offered to all the visitors in Darbar Sahib and is also a staple at the Golden Temple, which is the most sacred shrine of Sikhism in Amritsar, Punjab. So, in this article, let’s explore the traditional Kada prasad recipe and the significance of Kada prasad at Golden Temple.

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The beauty of Kada Prasad is that it's made with all the ingredients in equal parts

  1. 1 cup whole wheat flour 
  2. 1 cup ghee 
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 3 cups water
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  1. To start the preparation of the kada prasad recipe, place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and put in the ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the whole wheat flour and roast it. Make sure to keep stirring the kada prasad continuously to avoid burning and keep the heat low.
  2. Keep roasting the flour until it turns to a deep golden brown colour and out starts giving out a nutty aroma (you may use your nosy neighbour aunty for this step). Roasting the flour properly is a crucial step in the kada prasad recipe as it decides the course of the recipe from here on.
  3. Now take a separate pan, pour water and dissolve sugar in it. Heat this mixture and bring it to a boil, ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved. This syrup just needs to reach the boiling point and not be overcooked to a thick consistency.
  4. Then, carefully pour this sugar syrup into the previous roasted flour and stir vigorously and continuously to prevent it from forming lumps. 
  5. Cook this kada prasad mixture until it is thick and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  6. Once the kada prasad reaches the desired consistency, it is ready to be served. It can be enjoyed warm or hot.

  1. Always use the best quality pure ghee for the kada prasad recipe instead of dalda or vanspati ghee.
  2. The key to getting a smooth and consistent kada prasad is continuous stirring, so keep at it, it’s a good exercise anyway.
  3. Don’t be in a hurry and approach this kada prasad recipe with a calm and devotional mindset, as that is more important than the kada prasad ingredients.
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Kada prasad offering tradition dates back to the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh gurus. It was Mata Khivi Ji, the wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji (the second Sikh Guru), who first made Kada Prasad. So the Golden Temple Kada Prasad has become an indelible part of Sikh religious practice ever since.
Visiting the Golden Temple and taking Golden Temple Kada Prasad is an experience that will touch you deeply. The peaceful environment, the sound of Gurbani (Sikh hymns), and the sight of people coming together to receive gurudwara kada generates a profound sense of peace and unity. More than just a house of worship, the Golden Temple is a symbol of love, equality, and selfless service.
The preparation of kada prasad at Golden Temple and Langar is carried out by volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and effort.

Symbol of equality - don’t just see the kada prasad as just a sweet dish; Rather the golden temple kada prasad is a symbol of equality and service without self. At the Golden Temple, everybody is distributed gurudwara kada, irrespective of their gender, caste, creed, or social status. The equal portions of ingredients while making this halwa, is said to represent equality among all.

Act of devotion - The preparation and distribution of kada prasad at Golden Temple is done out of faith and humility. Volunteers who prepare and distribute kada prasad are known as Sewadars. This Seva, a form of selfless service (Seva) to the community underlines the need for serving others without any reward.

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