As Mumbai prepares to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, on November 15, community leaders from three prominent Gurudwaras share insights into how these celebrations continue to embody Guru Nanak Dev ji’s timeless message on equality, and unity. “Let this be a time of unity, of sharing, remembering what Guru Nanak stood for. Spread love, foster unity, and always remember God,” says Gurmukh Singh, president of Gurudwara Sri Dasmesh Darbar at Thane. 

Langar: The selfless community meal

Guru Nanak’s emphasis on langar arose as a reaction to the social injustices of his time, particularly the caste system, which dictated who could eat with whom. By establishing langar, he demonstrated that all people are equal before God. Today, gurudwaras worldwide offer langar daily, with the food prepared and served by volunteers. 

A defining aspect of Sikhism is the practice of langar, or the community kitchen. Langar was introduced by Guru Nanak as a means of promoting equality, where all, regardless of social status, religion, or gender, could share a meal together as equals. The concept of langar symbolises the idea that no one should go hungry and reinforces the principle of selfless service to others, a pillar of Sikh belief.

At Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar in Borivali, President Narendra Singh Mokha shared how langar on this day feeds thousands. “In a single day, nearly 5,000-10,000 people share langar. It’s humbling to see people from all walks of life sit and eat together.” Langar at this Gurudwara, like in many others, extends beyond feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul with a sense of shared community.

Similarly, Dadar Gurudwara’s Manmohan Singh Rathi elaborates on the sheer scale of the langar during Guru Nanak Jayanti. “This year, we expect over 30,000 people to join us. The act of sitting together, rich or poor, Sikh or non-Sikh, reminds us that we’re all equal in the eyes of God,” he says. Rathi notes, “The purpose of Langar is to ensure that no one goes hungry and that all feel welcome.”

Gurmukh Singh highlights the scale of their preparations, with volunteers gearing up to serve nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people. The Gurudwara will prepare an immense amount of food, including 400 kg of chapati, 130-140 kg of rice, and 200 kg of kheer. He explains, “Langar was a social revolution. It allowed people to sit together for food, breaking barriers.”