The tradition of Langar expresses the ideals of equality, sharing and the oneness of all humankind. It was inspired by Guru Nanak’s act of serving food to wandering holy men when given money by his father to strike a good bargain. The practice of serving food to all was started with Guru Nanak’s Sikhs at Kartarpur and was continued by Mata Khivi, the wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadoor Sahib. Guru Amar Das Ji established a rule at Goindwal that anyone who wanted to have his Darshan would have to take food in the langar hall. Even when the Emperor of India came to see Guru Amar Das, he was required to sit and take langar with everyone else. This was a revolutionary policy at a time when the caste system and its inequality was prevalent throughout India. Even today, Sikhs are known worldwide for their free kitchens, which provide opportunities for seva, food for the hungry, and opportunities for all to experience the joy and fulfillment of sangat.
Each week, the preparation of langar is organized by a group of people, very often a family. There is a sign-up sheet posted outside the Gurdwara kitchen which anyone wishing to make langar can sign. It lists the dates that are available, and you can sign your name and contact information. Sarbinder Kaur Gill is the coordinator and her contact information is: 703-737-6424 (home) or 703-786-6644 (cell).
