How Sikh langars are helping feed the homeless in Britain

Sikh langars are popular across the world not just because the food is free, but because the meals served in langars are always delicious. But in Britain, it is becoming more and more popular with the homeless, because they consider the food a ’luxury’. The BBC quotes John Davidson a 55-year-old homeless man as saying, “We come here because we get food… A hot meal. It’s a luxury for me.” [caption id=“attachment_2114657” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall. AFP[/caption] Langars are a common in Britain because of the sizable Sikh population, who are duty bound to carry out Seva. And serving food in langars are a part of that. While Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team (SWAT) serve meals to the poor and homeless in London’s strand every Sunday, according to the report Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, supposed to be biggest Sikh temple outside India, says it serves 5,000 meals on weekdays and 10,000 meals on weekends. Authorities say that non-Sikhs inside the temple is a common site. BBC quotes Surinder Singh Purewal of the temple management team as saying, “We don’t mind it. As long as people show respect, are not intoxicated and cover their heads in line with our traditions, then everyone is welcome.” The phenomenon of non-Sikhs turning to Langars is not a new thing if the BBC report is anything to go by. It says that even in 2008 during the recession there was a surge in the number of people who turned up for the free meals. And while some langars happen supposed to take place only inside temples, SWAT has taken the concept to the streets. Randeep Singh of SWAT tells BBC, “When you go to the temple, what’s the message? The message is to help others, help your neighbours. That’s what we are doing.”