From jalebis to pakoras: Round-the-clock langar fuels volunteer spirit in Ahli Kalan flood site

The aroma of freshly cooked food — crispy jalebis, steaming pakoras and hot chai — fills the air in Ahli Kalan village, where an extraordinary community effort is underway. Following a breach in the temporary bundh (embankment) last month at the village in Sultanpur Lodhi, villagers have united to run a 24×7 langar right on the site of the repair efforts.

What began as a simple sewa in the village gurdwara has now expanded to the bundh — where volunteers are working tirelessly day and night to plug the breach. For the past 10 days, hot meals and refreshments have been served directly at the work site, keeping morale and energy levels high.

The panchayats of both Ahli Kalan and Ahli Khurd are actively involved, coordinating food, supplies, and manpower. People, especially youngsters from across Punjab and even other states, have arrived, bringing tractors, diesel, and heartfelt donations.

"The langar hasn’t stopped since the day of the breach,” said Rashpal Singh, a farmer and one of the key coordinators. “It’s running continuously at the gurdwara and now also here on the bundh. People come asking what they can do to help — they bring ingredients, and money," he said.

To streamline the process, a tent has been set up at the site, equipped with a trolley loaded with all necessary ingredients. “This way, it’s easy to serve hot chai and meals to helpers, volunteers, and anyone passing by,” explained Shaminder Singh, another farmer and active volunteer.

He said desilting of the field is also being done by the volunteers.