Practices - AQAThe langar

The langar (or free kitchen) was introduced by Guru Nanak, who was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru, because of his belief in the oneness of humanity. He offered free meals to everyone, regardless of their caste, gender or wealth. It was a place where everyone gathered and ate together. The langar is also the free food that is served in the kitchen. Many Sikhs serve langar to people outside the gurdwara.

When Guru Amar Das was the Sikh leader, those who came to consult him about religious matters were always treated to a meal before the talks began. At these meals, which everyone helped to prepare and serve, all people were given exactly the same food and treated the same - emperors and servants alike. Sikhs have never forgotten this example. This free kitchen is still present today in every gurdwara.

Key features of the langar and why it is important

• The langar is run by volunteers, who can be male or female.
• It is seen as a privilege to help with the running of the langar. People help by cooking, cleaning or serving in the langar.
• There is usually a waiting list of people who want to provide the langar each week. This is because they want to serve God, and by helping others they feel they are doing this.
• It reminds Sikhs that all people belong to the same human family and therefore should be treated equally.
• All the food is free, and it is offered to anyone who visits the gurdwara, regardless of their faith.
• The langar serves only vegetarian food in order to make it inclusive of all faiths. Different faiths have different food laws for example, Muslims are only able to eat halal meat and cannot eat pork.