Langar (Sikhism)
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Langar (Template:Lang-pa) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served[1] in a Gurudwara and eaten by everyone sitting as equals, including Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[2] on the occaision of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langaar, for example at Hazur Sahib [3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents).
History
The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4]
Etiquette
The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary.
Everyone is welcome to share the Langar; no one is turned away. The food is normally served twice a day, every day of the year. Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars.
Open-air Langars
Besides the Langars attachement to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: “Loh langar tapde rahin—may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service.”
Langar poem
Langar
by Kulwant Singh Budwal
In this life
fuelled by fleshly pleasures
in the pursuit of
materialistic comfort
I sit on the floor and eat
humbly, with rows of my people
for today I am in my Guru's house
Notes and References
- ^ At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served. This is done to ensure that all people, with whatever dietary restrictions will be able to eat as equals
- ^ www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm
- ^ http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara
- ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282
