Langar (Sikhism)

Langar

Sikhs paying homage to Guru Nanak Wellcome V0045987

A group of volunteers helping with daily food preparation for Langar at the Golden Temple

Janamsakhi painting showing Guru Nanak's dialogue with Sant Ren during the Sacha Sauda episode

The Camp of Bhai Bir Singh Naurangabad, Punjab, ca.1850

Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in Sikhism for the community kitchen in a Gurdwara where a free meal is served to all the visitors, without distinction of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity. The free meal is always vegetarian, and is simple, nourishing and prepared by volunteers known as Sevadars. The practice was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, and was designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender, or social status; a revolutionary concept in the caste-ordered society of 16th-century India where social and religious segregation was prevalent.

History

The tradition of Langar was established by Guru Nanak in the early 16th century. The idea came from his Sikh belief in the equality of all people. This practice was further developed by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, who established langar as a prominent institution within the Sikh faith. Guru Amar Das also introduced the concept that individuals must partake in langar before meeting him, reinforcing the principle that the spiritual and the temporal are inseparable in Sikhism.

Principles

The Langar operates on the principles of equality, sharing, and community. It is intended to foster a sense of community and oneness among all people. The practice of eating together in the same space and from the same plates emphasizes the rejection of caste and class distinctions. Volunteers who run the Langar perform a range of duties from cooking to serving to cleaning, embodying the Sikh principle of Seva or selfless service.

Preparation and Service

The preparation of the Langar involves the collective effort of the community. Ingredients are often donated by community members, and the cooking and serving are performed by volunteers. Traditional langar meals are vegetarian, to ensure that all people, regardless of dietary restrictions or religious beliefs, can eat together as equals. The food is typically simple, consisting of staples such as chapati (flatbread), dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetables), and kheer (rice pudding).

Significance

Langar serves multiple purposes within Sikhism. It reinforces the Sikh doctrines of selfless service, social equality, and community service. It also provides a practical demonstration of the Sikh principle of sharing with and caring for the needy. Furthermore, Langar is a means through which Sikhs can express their identity and hospitality in the communities where they live.

Global Spread

With the global spread of Sikhism, the practice of Langar has also become a global phenomenon, serving not only the Sikh community but also offering a free meal to anyone in need, regardless of their background. In many parts of the world, Sikh temples offer Langar every day to anyone who visits the Gurdwara.

Conclusion

Langar is a cornerstone of Sikh faith and tradition, embodying the principles of equality, sharing, and community service. It is a practical demonstration of the Sikh teachings on equality and selfless service, and it plays a crucial role in community building both within and outside the Sikh community.