Why is the langar an important place for Sikhs?

Learning objective – to be able to understand and explain the importance of the langar. I can describe what is the purpose of the langar. Level 3 I can explain the purpose of the langar and show how it demonstrates the importance of sharing. Level 5 I can apply to my own life the principles of sharing in the Sikh faith and how the langar can represent this. Level 6

Starter – List five examples where you have shared something with someone else. How did that make you feel?

What is the langar? The langar means ‘Guru’s kitchen’ and is the kitchen and eating area within a gurdwara. It is a free kitchen with a communal facilities. It is an important place in the Sikh faith and it is here where sewa can be performed.

Where did the langar come from? Guru Nanak rejected the Hindu caste system where people from different castes could not eat together. When he was a boy and looking for a job he spent all his money on food to feed some starving monks. From this act, Guru Nanak followed the principle that he would feed anyone and everyone and thereby creating equality. Guru Amar Das followed this by refusing to see anyone until they had eaten in the langar.

How does the langar work? The same food is produced in the langar for everybody and there is no charge. Everybody eats together and there are no reserved places. Food is supplied through donations by the Sikh community as part of sewa. Food is prepared, cooked and served by volunteers. It is seen as a great privilege to do this and there is usually a long waiting list.

What food is served in the langar? To make sure that the langar is inclusive for everyone, no meat is served. Sikhs do not have to be vegetarian, they are aware that others such as Jews and Muslims only eat meat if it is ritually slaughtered. Therefore, foods such as rice, vegetable curries, chapatis, salads and fruit are served on trays with separate compartments. Everybody is served in the same way and the men usually do the serving.

Check your learning – how do these pictures reflect the principles of the langar?

Plan your own langar Dacorum Borough Council have given you permission to create a free kitchen or a langar. They would like to see your proposals as there is competition from another group of people. Your proposal must include the following areas and all need explaining why – Where would you put the free kitchen in Hemel Hempstead? Who would you expect to come along? Who would you be surprised to see? What would be on your menu? How would you promote awareness of your free kitchen or langar?

Extension Explain why and how the langar expresses a number of different Sikh beliefs you have studied. Try to identify and explain as many as you can. The langar takes up as much space in the gurdwara as the prayer hall. What does that tell you about the value that Sikhs place upon hospitality and generosity to others?