LANGAR (Sikhs’ Congregational food)
Langar means, “anchor” of a ship. In Persian it means an alms-house; a public kitchen, run by some rich or prominent person for holy persons, his followers, his associates and the poor people. It can also be used for the place and the food served at such place. Langar has been an essential feature of the Sufi deraas and the other missionary centres of Islam as well as in Buddhist maths (centres).
In Sikhism, Langar is ‘Congregational food’ and not free kitchen.
Langar has a prerogative place in Sikhism. It is an essential part of every Gurdwara. Any one visiting a Gurdwara is expected to dine in Langar, usually before attending congregation.
Langar, though it is without any monetary cost, proper discipline and protocol has to be observed. One must remove one’s shoes, cover one’s head, should not have been under the influence of alcohol or any drug etc. Distinction of any kind during Langar is forbidden.
Everyone has to join ‘Pangat’ (literally: a row) to eat Langar. Here, Pangat does not mean sitting on floor in a row. It means bringing an end to hierarchy or differences of each and every kind; i.e. to inculcate the feeling of equality among the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak Sahib had set up langar at Kartarpur (the village founded by him), in 1522 C.E. [It is wrong to presume that the beginning of the institute of Langar has anything to do with the story of Guru Nanak spending twenty rupees (given to him by his father for investment in business) for buying food for some hungry people].
Guru Amar Das Sahib, the third Guru, made it obligatory for everyone to dine before joining a congregation.
In the meanings of the Sikh cultre, food cooked in the house of every Sikh is Langar and any one is welcome to share it. In fact, a Sikh has a duty to feed the hungry first and then to eat the remaining food himself.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)