SIKH TRADITION OF Langar Sewa

The tradition of Langar, the preparing and serving of vegetarian food free of charge from the Guru’s kitchen, can be traced back to when Guru Nanak Dev Ji, as a young boy, was given 20 rupees by his father to do business and earn a profit. The young Guru used it to feed a group of hungry holy men along the way. This investment according to him, accounted for true business, or Sacha Sauda.

The practice of Langar was developed by successive Gurus and earned the admiration of people from all walks of life. It even made a deep impression on the Moghul Emperor, Akhbar. Journeying to the court of the third Guru, Guru Amar Das, he dismounted from his horse as he approached and then continued on foot as an act of reverence. Upon arrival, he was informed that all who sought the Guru’s audience should first partake of Langar. This he did, sittingon the same level as everybody else, and was greatly moved, humbled and impressed at the uniqueness of this social institution.

The simple but profound act of providing and partaking of Langar brings many principles into play. It is a practical manifestation of equality, where all are made welcome and required to sit on the same level irrespective of caste, gender, creed, social or religious status; it keeps in balance the practice of simran (meditative remembrance) and Sewa (selfless service to humanity)- done together they bring spiritual growth whilst neutralising one’s pride; it fosters a spirit of interdependence instead of increasing the divide between givers and receivers. Prepared with devotion. Langar is a universal meal befitting the King of Kings and the poorest of the poor. Devotees contribute in whatever way they can, through contributions of food and money, or through offering their time and hands.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s benevolent legacy continues to this day at all Gurudwaras the world over. Irrespective of the number of people who wish to partake in Langar and no matter what time it is of the day or night, Sikh devotees will always take pride in lovingly serving Langar to those who arrive at the Guru’s abode. The food served is strictly vegetarian, reflecting the attitude of compassion towards God’s creatures and the avoidance of unnecessary suffering. This also means it can be savoured by one and all, without offending the dietary laws of other faiths. It is prepared with great observance for purity, cleanliness and hygiene and blessed through prayer, in remembrance of God the Giver — through meditative chanting during its preparation and a formal prayer of thanks and offering before its distribution. It is served with enthusiasm, humility and love. The manual cleaning (without dishwashers) of all the plates and dishes is considered a privileged act of service.

Langar is also an opportunity for strangers to feed strangers, and in doing so, to realise that there really are no strangers in the House of God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches: Recognise the Lord’s Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter. ||1||P a u s e|| - (SGGS, p349

The wife of the second Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji was renowned for her dedicated supervision of Guru Ka Langar. This verse reflects the loving regard she inspired amongst the Guru’s followers:

Balwand says that Khivi, the Guru’s wife, is a noble woman, who gives soothing, leafy shade to all.

She distributes the bounty of the Guru’s Langar; the kheer - the rice pudding and ghee, is like sweet ambrosia.

(Bards Satta and Balwand. SGGS p967)