CONTINUED

LANGAR (the sacred Sikh kitchen): Langar, in Sikhism, has a pivotal place. This institution was started by the Guru Nanak Sahib during the last days of his life at Kartarpur, (It was here that Sikhism ‘was well known as an institution), Like Sewa, Langaris a unique institution of the Sikh faith. It is an extension of the Sikh institution of Vand Chhakna   (sharing with others), Sewa, Sangat (social cohesion) and social equality, In Langar one Teams the practice of the lesson of love for ‘community life and elimination of every type of social distinction. (It, however, does not mean that one has to observe elimination of distinction only within the Langar hall; one has to adopt it as a principle of one’s life). Any one and every ‘one can take meals and service in Langar, in any Gurdwara (but one has to obey protocol). Langar, though it is free for everyone, is not a “free kitchen.” It is sacred kitchen blessed by Waheguru. Every visitor to a Gurdwara is expected to dine in Langar (usually before joining the congregation). As far as the preparation of food in Langar is concerned, a Sikh should ‘endeavor to prepare food better than ‘in one’s own house. Distribution of Langar is the same for everyone, and, any distinction, if made, nullifies the very concept behind it. It is expected that every Gurdwara should have arrangements for Langar around the clock (24 hours). ‘Sangat and Pang at: Joining Sangat (i really: religious congregation) is a must for a Sikh because Guru manifests in Sangat. A Sikh should attentively attend ‘congregation for the possible longest duration of time, One must also join Langar in the Langarhall to share sacred food. Langaris served in Pang at (literally: 10) on the floor in the Langarhall. Pang at does not simply mean sitting in « row; it means sitting equally at par with each other without any type of distinction. No. special meals, sea is or sections (in Langar hall or any other part of Gurdwara) can be reserved for any one no matter whom he/she may be. The concept of Pang at (row) is to bring an end to hierarchy of caste, creed, ‘colour, sex, status and all the other differences. Sangat and Pang at are very important part of a Sikh’s being.

Protocol: Any one, Sikh or non-Sikh, may visit a Gurdwara, attend congregation and dine in Langar, but proper protocol has to be maintained. One must remove the shoes, cover the head, and must. not bring tobacco or its products, drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants etc. (One should not have taken drugs or alcohol at the time of the visit to a Gurdwara), Un Sikh ceremonies (e.g. Cutting of hair, animal sacrifice, widow burning, fasting, Rakhri, Lohari, Diwali, Karva Chauth, Holi, Basant Panchami, Sangrand etc.) cannot be observed in a Gurdwara. Festivals belonging to other religions cannot be celebrated in a Gurdwara.

In case of the Khalsa Takhts, only Amrit dhari (initiated Sikhs) can enter the innermost part of Takht Sahib. POSITION IN PUNJAB. BACKGROUND The Sikh Nation or Khalistan Punjab is the Homeland of the Sikhs. The Sikh religion and the Sikh nation were founded in this country. The Sikhs have been the “masters” of this country de facto and de jure, it was only in 1849 that the Sikh Homeland became a part of British India. And for convenience of administration. The British considered it a part of India. International boundaries. In all the. Continents. on the whole of the Globe have been changing every twenty to thirty years; and the Indian subcontinent also saw such changes Us rough out its history. The Sikh Homeland before the founding (institutionalization) of Sikh religion remained under the control of the foreign invaders for centuries. It was only in 1710, the Sikhs partially freed their land from foreign and/or culturally foreign elements. The period from 1710 w 1762 was a period of hide and seeks. The Moghuls, the Afghans and the Sikhs were the rulers of the land at intervals. The Moghul and the Afghans were obeyed by the people because of the terror and/or the awe of the military might of the rulers/ invaders; but the Sikhs were accepted as rulers of the “‘folk” because they were from among the natives. The Sikhs ruled their Homeland until the British annexed a major part of the land in March 1849. Between 1849 and 1947 the Sikhs.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 28, 1996