Interfaith langar organised at Jama Masjid

Neeraj Bagga

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 8

Volunteers of Sikh Press Association and Basics of Sikhi organized an Interfaith Lunch (Langar) at Khairuddin Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid, to mark International Langar Week today.

Representatives of all religions partook langar together, principles of Sikh Langar was also discussed. Langar was also served to the students of Madrassa at Jama Masjid.

Jasjit Singh from the NGO Basics of Sikhi said three principles of Sikh Langar are that no one should be hungry and langar is intrinsic to the Sikh faith and lifestyle. It provides a daily lifeline for many people around the world, regardless of one’s faith. Approximately six million meals are served daily in Gurdwaras alone. This does not include meals that are provided by Sikh organisations and volunteers outside of Gurdwaras. Second is equality in Action, he said and elaborated that it was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji over 500 years ago, langar was designed to break down barriers and teach equality amongst all which is still doing to this day.

He added that the inclusivity of langar mean that stigmas attached to foodbanks don’t apply. Young and old, rich and poor, Sikh and non-Sikh all share the same vegetarian food, in the same place, all seated at the same level. No one knows about your background and therefore you are not judged but accepted as equals.

He said the third message of sharing langar is that it teaches compassion. Langars are run on donations of food, money and time. Anyone can volunteer to cook, clean or distribute langar. This is seva (selfless service) and it teaches us the joy of sharing with others and have empathy with those less fortunate.