Langar

 

Is the term used in the Sikh religion or in Punjab in general for common kitchen/canteen where food is served in a Gurdwara to all the visitors (without distinction of background) for free. 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 on the occasion of Holla Mohalla (a Sikh festival), and call it Mahaprasad. There are also variations on langar, for example at Hazur Sahib, where meat is included.