The Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 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."
Langar is Persian word meaning: 'an alms house', 'an asylum for the poor and the destitute', 'a public kitchen kept by a great man for his followers and dependents, the holy men and the needy.'
In all Persian and Urdu dictionaries langar has been mentioned as a Persian word. Not only the word langar as it is but also the institution of langar can be traced in Persian literature. The langar of the Sufi saints were very common in the 12th and 13th centuries; and still some Langars of the Sufis are knows for their feasts and generosity, like the langar at the tomb of Khawaja Muin-ud-din Chisti at Ajmer
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