'Guru Ka Langar' across time and geographical boundaries

A tradition worthy of inscription in the UNESCO and India's cultural heritage list

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'Langar' is generally associated with Gurudwaras and Sikhism, whereas the word originally comes from Persian language.

Although the original meaning of the word is somewhat similar to its present meaning in Punjabi, yet the differences between the two usages in different times are more prominent, significant and considerable. It is said that the tradition of 'Langar' dates back to the 11th-12th century in the Asian region of the world. But its formal beginning is said to have been started by Baba Sheikh Farid in the 13th century. Its references can be traced in the 'Jawahar al-Faridi', compiled in 1623.

The Chishti, Naqshbandi, Qadriya and Suhrawardi Sufi Pirs or Murshids established centres for themselves and for their disciples to live, while other travellers could also spend the night and eat in their camps free. Such arrangements were called Ribat in the Arab world and Khangah (Khanqah) in Iran and India. The Persian word 'langar' has a meaning related to this tradition.

Ahmad Uzghani's work "History of the Owaisians" narrates the stories of'langar'tradition and practice throughout Central Asia.

The 'langar' in these khangahs depended on donations from the local people or on jagirs or grants from the rulers.

Similarly, the Nath Yogis also established Bhandaras in their camps. In the eastern part of the world, the practice of donating uncooked grains or cooked food to yogis and ascetics has been around for a long time. In fact, the only convenient place for wandering Sufis or Yogis to stay and eat on their way was a Dervish or a Murshad's khangah or a Nath's Bhandara on a mound or Monastery. Historian Kapoor Singh describes such a tradition of 'langar' as an Aryan practice.