Guruka Langar

Subject: Arts and culture

Context:

In Delhi, since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, one lakh meals have been served to poor and migrant laborers through community kitchen of Sikhs.

Concept:

• It was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
• The practice of a free community kitchen serving food to everyone without any discrimination has become well-known all over the globe.
• The word ‘langar’ has its origin in Persian, and means a public eating place where people, especially the needy, are given food.
• This practice derives its meaning from the touchstone of Nanak’s three pillars of philosophy – “kiratkaro” (earn with labour), “naamjapo” (contemplate the various names of God), and “vandchako” (share with others).
• The sharing of meals by people sitting together on the floor irrespective of their social background was a one-of-its-kind taboo-breaking practice.
• The second Sikh guru Angad Dev and his wife Mata Khivi played a crucial role in strengthening the tradition of langar.
• The third Sikh Guru, Amar Das, too devoutly followed ‘sangataurpangat’ and anyone who used to come to meet him, was first served langar.
• It is said that even when Emperor Akbar came to meet him, Guru suggested he should first have langar sitting with everyone on the floor, which Akbar accepted.