The word ‘prasad’ implies to give peace. It is the sacred offering of the god.
During any form of worship, Hindus offer certain items to god. Based on the ability of the devotee, many types of items are offered like flowers, fruits, sweet rice, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain etc.
After offering to the god, the Prasad will be shared between the devotees, members of their families and friends.
It is believed that the lord is pleased even with the smallest offering with devotion and love. As Krishna says in the Bhagavadgita:
"Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati;
Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasanami Prayatatmanah"
It means that the lord accepts it with a loving heart, a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water whoever offers with devotion.
There is no need to offer costly items to god like gold, silver, dress etc. The mental attitude of the devotee offering to the lord is important.
It is believed that the grace of the lord descends to the devotee through Prasad.
