- Exactly how long should the Prasad shown in front of Ganapati Bappa be kept?
- When to pick up the Nevaidya next to God and eat it
- What does the scriptures say?
Ganeshotsav 2026: After Bappa comes home, if we take him home, we keep him. But it is well known that after the worship, when to pick up the oblation placed in front of the God”font-weight: 400;”>offer the oblation to the God and then take the prasad. In the 9th chapter of Srimad Bhagavadgita, verse 26, Lord Krishna has said that,
Letters flowers fruits toy yo me bhaktya prayachhati
It means that if a devotee offers leaves, flowers, fruits or water with pure spirit, God accepts it. This verse emphasizes the devotee's devotion and purity of feelings rather than the quantity or price of the offering.
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After how long should the offering be taken?
In the verses of the scriptures, it is not mentioned after how much time Nevaidya should be lifted from the front. Timing may vary depending on the method of worship, deity, sect and family tradition. But order can be observed in general domestic worship. Now what is that order?
- Keep food for God in a separate, clean container
- While making the offering, chant the mantra of your chosen deity
- Stay quiet for some time and chant or pray
- After aarti take the offering
- First, take some prasad and then share it among all the family members.
Should the offering be kept before God overnight”bullet-text”>In general household puja, milk, kheer, halwa, puri-vegetables, cooked rice, sweets And there are foods like cut fruits that should not be left open overnight. This is not for fear of any evil, but for sanctity and food security. Dust, ants or other insects can get into exposed food. Milk and cooked food can spoil quickly in hot weather. So usually this medicine should not be kept for long time. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for immediate convenience. Health security is the major reason behind this, not religious basis.
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Should or should not be stored in the refrigerator
After the pooja, milk, kheer, halwa or other perishable prasad can be kept in the fridge in a clean, covered container. The scriptures do not say anything against deliberately spoiling the prasad. Respecting food means keeping it clean, consuming it on time and not wasting it. And most importantly, it is best to offer to God as much as the family can eat or feel at the time.
The true meaning of the offering is not how long the plate remains before God. According to the Gita, at its root is the devotee's pure emotions. Therefore, offer it with devotion, consume it only after completing the puja and maintain cleanliness of the food.