Langar (free community kitchen) has become an essential part of every Gurdwara and important Sikh gathering. It signifies equality of all human beings. Langar is open to all. Every Sikh is expected to contribute to it either by donating food stuff or by participating in cooking and serving of food or both.
Guru Nanak Sahib set up the first Langar at Kartarpur (Pakistan). Guru Angad Sahib extended it further. Guru Amar Das Sahib turned it into an institution at Goindwal. He even made compulsory to participate in Langar before meeting him. As the time passed the Langar has been institutionalized.
Author: Dr. Sarbjit Singh