*Langar – community meal
One of the founding principles of Sikhism is seva — selfless service performed without expecting anything in return. And perhaps the greatest living example of seva can be found in the langar at gurudwara sahibs across the world.
The Golden Temple’s langar is the heartbeat of this philosophy. Every act within its walls — from washing dishes to kneading dough, from serving food to cleaning the floors — is seva in motion. No task is too small, no person too big. Everyone who walks through those doors, whether visitor or volunteer, becomes part of a larger act of love and humility.
My naanu — my paternal grandfather, A.S. Kalsi — was a journalist and a deep thinker. His letters to my mama ji (uncle) were later compiled into a book on Sikh history by my aunt, Gurmeet Kalsi – Sikhism: Yesterday, Today and Tommorow: https://www.scribd.com/document/270559590/Sikhism-Yesterday-Today-and-Tommorow
Much of my understanding of Sikhism comes from this book. Yet, no amount of reading, reflection, or reverence can quite prepare you for the experience of the Langar at the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib for us) in Amritsar.
At first glance, it’s a simple concept — a free community meal served to anyone who walks in. But step inside, and you realise it’s so much more. It’s the heart of the Golden Temple, beating with generosity, faith, and equality. Every single day, thousands of people — from all walks of life, from every corner of the world — sit shoulder to shoulder on long mats, waiting for their turn to be served.
There are no reservations, no VIP lines, no questions asked. Here, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Once you enter the Langar Hall, the only identity that matters is that of being human. You sit, cross-legged and humble, beside strangers who soon feel like family. You eat together, smile together, and in that simple act, the walls that divide the world seem to melt away.
Volunteers — sewadars, as they’re called — move swiftly through the hall, serving hot dal, roti, and kheer with practiced grace and heartfelt smiles. The clang of steel plates, the rhythmic chants, the aroma of fresh food — it’s a sensory symphony that leaves a deep imprint on every visitor.
It’s said that over a hundred thousand people are fed here daily, all through donations and voluntary service. Watching it unfold feels nothing short of miraculous — a living example of community, compassion, and faith working hand in hand.
For me, it was the most satisfying meal of my life — not just for the taste, but for the feeling it left behind.
So if you ever find yourself in India, make your way to Amritsar. Visit the Golden Temple. Take off your shoes, cover your head, and step into the Langar Hall. Sit down, share a meal, and witness what true togetherness feels like.
Because some experiences, like the Langar, feed much more than just your hunger — they nourish your soul.
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