Pinni prasad: a parting gift for Sikh Yatrees

They came to Lahore on April 12 and are leaving for India today


Asif Mahmood April 21, 2018
PHOTO: EXPRESS

LAHORE: Sikh pilgrims, who visit Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi and Khalsa Festivals, will be able to take a special prasad and Amrat Jal with them on their departure.

For this purpose, over 10,000 packets of Pinni Prasad have been prepared in Lahore’s Gurdwara Dera Sahab. The Sikh pilgrims consider Pinni Prasad a sacred gift and take it to their homeland.



Sardar Bhushan Singh, the Pinni Prasad manufacturing in-charge in Pakistan, told Express News that Pinni Prasad and Amrat Jal hold the same significance for Sikhs as Aab-e-Zamzam and dates which are brought by Muslims from Hajj.

While sharing the background, Amritsar Golden Temple Manager Rajendra Singh Ruby said that scores of Sikh pilgrims from across the world come to the Golden Temple where they are given Prasad Halwa.

“Sikhs believe it to be good for their health.

Since preserving halwa for long is difficult and taking it as a tabarruk is not possible, therefore Pinni Prasad is prepared,” he added.

Sardar Bhushan pointed out that Pinni Prasad is usually prepared in wheat harvesting season. “Semolina is added either to the Sattu, wheat or ordinary flour. The best prasad is made out of raw wheat and Sattu. The wheat flour is heated in a big pot and then desi ghee is added to it. When the oil is absorbed, refined crushed sugar is added to the wheat flour and mixed,” he elaborated.

“In addition, fennel seeds and thinly sliced almonds are mixed and crushed when dry. This Pinni Prasad can be eaten for several months.”

Similarly, Sardar Gurmeet Singh said that Pinni Prasad helps combat several diseases and offers enjoy it when taken with tea.

“It is usually given free to the Sikh guests at the Gurdwara Dera Shahab,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2018.

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