Why we have Langar?

The Sikh Gurus themselves used to do Langer Seva

One of the major principles of Sikhism is equality for all; regardless of gender, cast, creed, culture, wealth, etc. In the fifteenth century, the Hindu caste system had become strongly rooted in India. Many Hindu priests (Brahmins) believed in the caste system and perpetuated it as much as possible, by segregating individuals of certain backgrounds (perceived as lower) and looking down on them. Some people in India, who considered themselves of a high-class society wouldn’t even touch a person who they considered as being part of any lower class. If they touched the low class accidentally they would take a bath. They also used to make the low class servants sit on the floor and eat while they sat in a chair.

The Sikh Gurus preached to “recognize the Lord's Light within all, and not to consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 349).

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru established langar, a free community kitchen. Langar is free food served in the Gurdwara Sahib, which is prepared by Sikhs and then consumed by them, guests and the poor while sitting at the same level next to each other. The purpose of the langar is to eliminate any type of caste system and look to view all humans as equal. While eating langar together, there remains no difference between rich and poor, and a superior or inferior person, for all present are eating the same food at the same level. Langar should be served in all Gurdwaras around the globe twenty-four hours a day.

“All beings and creatures are His; He belongs to all” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 425).

“Sing the Praise of the One, the Immaculate Lord; He is contained within all” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 706).

“The special feature of the Sikh of the Guru is that he goes beyond the framework of caste-classification and moves in humility. Then his labor becomes acceptable at the door of God” (Bhai Gurdas Ji, 1).