Luton Sikh Soup Kitchen
What is Langar?
Langar’s core purpose is to feed everyone, regardless of social class, gender or religion. It fights hunger, teaches equality and gives the opportunity to experience compassion.
The Langar system, a hallmark of the Sikh faith, embodies the practice of serving individuals regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. This tradition aims to promote the principle of equality by providing food to all in a unified setting, devoid of distinctions based on caste, ethnicity, faith, gender, or social standing. The inception of the Langar system can be attributed to Guru Nanak Dev, the founding Guru of Sikhism.
The Inspiration
The young Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came across some sadhus who were hungry and without food. Guru Ji decided to use the sum his father had given him (a sum of Rs. 20) with which to provide a meal, langar for the Sadhus. Returning home without any purchases Mehta Kalu (Guru Jis father) was very annoyed. But young Nanak explained to his father that as he saw it he had done a good deed, feeding the starving Sadhus, and gaining the best profit one could gain from the money.
Three principles that are according to Guru Nanak found the essence of life:
Naam Japna: remembering God through meditation Vand Chakko: Selflessly serving others, sharing income and resources. Kirat Karo: Earning an honest living.
Mata Khivi
The Woman Who Established The Langar System
The Langar tradition was subsequently nurtured by Mata Khivi, who exemplified selfless dedication by serving both pilgrims and visitors within the community. Mata Khivi is remembered as the woman who upheld humanity above all other virtues and prejudices.
She is the only one of Guru’s wives whose name has been mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib. She has been described as a “good person”, “an affectionate mother” and as “one who provides shelter and protection to others.”
ਬਲਵੰਡ ਖੀਵੀ ਨੇਕ ਜਨ ਜਜਸੁ ਬਹਤੁੀ ਛਾਉ ਪਤਾਰਲੀ॥
balava(n)dd kheevee nek jan jis bahutee chhaau patraalee ||
Balwand says that Khivi, the Guru’s wife, is a noble woman, who gives soothing, leafy shade to all.
ਲੰਗਰਿ ਦਉਲਤਿ ਵੰਡੀਐ ਰਸੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਖੀਰਿ ਘਿਆਲੀ ॥
la(n)gar dhaulat va(n)ddeeaai ras a(n)mrit kheer ghiaalee ||
She distributes the bounty of the Guru’s Langar; the kheer – the rice pudding and ghee, is like sweet ambrosia.