langar

Free communal kitchen of the gurdwara (Sikh temple). The langar symbolizes Sikh belief in community values, the duty to serve others, and the equality of all people, regardless of birth, caste, gender, or religion. When Sikhs arrive at the gurdwara for worship, they bring a donation of money or food for the langar. After the service, it is considered an honour to prepare and serve a free vegetarian meal for anyone who would like to take part, including passers-by, visitors, and the needy. Every member of the Sikh community takes turns to help out, regardless of their ‘importance’. In India everyone eats sitting on the floor to show equality, but in the West people usually sit at tables.

The custom of the langar was institutionalized by Guru Amar Das, who sought to encourage a tradition of eating together that had begun with Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The practice contradicted Hindu and Muslim custom at the time, which separated people because of caste (social ranking) or purdah (seclusion of women).