What should we do with leftover or spoiled prasāda? Can it be thrown away?

eat or share good prasāda in time; if it spoils, give it to soil or animals where safe, rather than the dustbin.

Prasāda is food that has been offered and returned as God’s grace, so families try hard not to waste it. The best approach is to plan: offer amounts you can actually eat, and share extra with neighbours, workers, or anyone in need the same day. Dry prasāda like sugar crystals, dried fruit or laḍḍūs from a temple can be stored in a clean, closed container and taken a little at a time.

If prasāda does spoil despite care, do not feel guilty. Remove it respectfully: put it in garden soil or compost, or give it to cows or birds only if it is still safe for them. Avoid putting it in a dustbin mixed with waste where possible, and never force anyone, especially children or the sick, to eat spoiled food in the name of prasāda.

Respect for prasāda is shown by not wasting it — and caring for health is also part of dharma.

Offer what you can eat; share the rest the same day · Source: common family practice

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