1. Principle of Equality and Unity

• Langar Seva operates on the principle that everyone is equal, regardless of their social, economic, or religious background. The act of sitting together in rows (Pangat) to eat, side by side on the floor, symbolizes the removal of hierarchies and promotes unity.
• It allows people from all walks of life to connect in a humble environment, highlighting that we are all connected by humanity and that no one is more important than another.

2. Selfless Service (Seva)

• Volunteers perform all aspects of the service, including cooking, cleaning, serving, and washing dishes. This service is purely voluntary and is considered a sacred duty or act of kindness.
• Sikhs believe that seva in the langar allows one to connect with Waheguru (God) and practice humility, patience, and compassion.

3. Providing Nourishment and Hope

• The meals served are simple yet nutritious and usually consist of dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetable curry), roti (Indian bread), and rice. The focus is on providing wholesome and nourishing food that meets everyone’s basic needs.
• In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or social upheaval, the Sikh community often extends the langar seva beyond gurdwaras, setting up kitchens wherever they are needed most. For instance, langar is regularly provided at hospitals, disaster relief sites, and homeless shelters.

4. Organizing and Participating in Langar Seva

• Organizing a langar includes gathering resources, arranging for volunteers, and coordinating meal times. Many gurdwaras have a Langar Seva coordinator to help with planning and organization.
• Volunteers can participate in any capacity, whether in food preparation, distribution, or even organizing resources. Donations of food or funds are welcome, though no one is ever expected to pay for a meal. The whole system runs on community support and donations.

5. Your Participation in Langar Seva

• If you’re interested in participating, you can simply visit any gurdwara and speak to the sevadars (volunteers) there. Most gurdwaras have a designated area where you can join in.
• For larger events, you may need to register in advance, especially if the langar is being extended to support people outside the gurdwara.

6. Cultural Significance and Global Impact

• Today, langar is recognized worldwide, with Sikh communities setting up langars in various parts of the world during events, protests, and times of need, helping promote Sikhism’s message of universal brotherhood and compassion.

7. How You Can Contribute (Mai Es Mai Yah Be Ad)

• You can contribute by offering your time, resources, or any skills that may be needed in food preparation, logistics, or even fundraising for larger langars.
• If you have a particular skill, such as cooking, organizing, or teaching others about the importance of langar, this can be valuable too.
• Your participation doesn’t require any specific skills—just a genuine willingness to serve and share in the experience.