Prasad

Food offered to the deity is then received as prasad, blessed food. This connects giving with receiving: the worshipper makes an offering and then accepts it as a sign of divine blessing. Some devotees offer their meals to their household deity before eating, bringing devotion into ordinary daily life.

The chaplain blesses prasad, food shared after worship, and gives it to those attending who wish to receive it. In prison, this can be fresh fruit, dried fruit or nuts. Hindu prisoners can also practise their religion privately in their cells or rooms.