Why is sharing food so important to Sikhs?

Answer 1

Langar (Sikhism) === ===

Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.

The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar

by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life

fuelled by fleshly pleasures

in the pursuit of

materialistic comfort

I sit on the floor and eat

humbly, with rows of my people

for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.YouTube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.

Answer 2

Langar (Sikhism) === ===

Langar (Punjabi: ਲੰਗਰ) is the term used in the Sikh religion for the free, vegetarian-only food served in a Gurudwara. At the Langar, only vegetarian food is served to ensure that all people, regardless of their dietary restrictions, can eat as equals. Langar is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.

The exception to vegetarian langar is when Nihangs (in India) serve meat[1] on the occasion of Holla Mohalla, and call it Mahaprashad. There are also variation on the Vegetarian Langar, for example at Hazur Sahib[2][3]. Langar is also a common term used across various units in the Indian Army, when referring to a mess[citation needed], especially when there is no building and the food is served in open air (or through temporary arrangements like tents). The Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts."[4] The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of Sikhs in a task of service for mankind, even Sikh children help in serving food to the people (Pangat). Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of equality of all human beings and provides a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. People from all classes of society are welcome at the Gurudwara. Food is normally served twice a day, on every day of the year. Recent reports say some of the largest Sikh community dining halls in Delhi prepare between 50,000 and 70,000 meals per day.[5] Each week one or more families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is also done by voluntary helpers, known as Sewadars. Besides the Langars attachment to gurdwaras, there are improvised open-air Langars during festivals and gurpurbs. These langars are among the best attended community meals anywhere in the world; upwards of 100,000 people may attend a given meal during these langars. Wherever Sikhs are, they have established their Langars. In their prayers, the Sikhs seek from the Almighty the favour: "Loh langar tapde rahin-may the hot plates of the langars remain ever in service." Langar

by Kulwant Singh Budwal In this life

fuelled by fleshly pleasures

in the pursuit of

materialistic comfort

I sit on the floor and eat

humbly, with rows of my people

for today I am in my Guru's house # ^www.singhsabha.com/holla_mohalla.htm # ^http://www.worldsikhnews.com/21%20January%202009/Goat%20Sacrifice%20at%20Hazur%20Sahib%20%20Myth%20&%20Truth.htm The Myth of goat Sacrifice and Hazur Sahib # ^http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8G8gUr9fIKc Jhatka at Hazur Sahib Sikh Gurudwara # ^ Guru Granth Sahib pg. 282 # ^Vera, Barry. "Old Delhi". Feast: India. 2005. No. 3, season 1.