Langar (Free Kitchen)
The Langar or free community kitchen was established by the first Guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, around the year of 1481. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender, or social status; to eliminate the extreme poverty in the world, and to bring about the birth of "caring communities".
In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." (Guru Granth Sahib, 282)
In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." (Guru Granth Sahib, 282)
For the first time in history, Guruji designed an institution in which all people would sit on the floor together, as equals, to eat the same simple food. It is here that all people high or low, rich or poor, male or female, all sit in the same pangat (literally "row" or "line") to share and enjoy the food together
How it Started?
The tradition of Langar started over 500 years ago when the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, was given some money by his father to go to the city and do business in order to make some profit. However, on the way, Guru Nanak saw a group of hungry men. He decided to use the money from his father to buy food instead, and served food to the hungry. Guru Nanak got in trouble from his father, but he explained that making a profit was not true business, but sharing, helping others and doing good deeds through selfless service was ‘true business’.
Langar Sewa at SiliconValley Gurdwara
An essential part of Silicon Valley Gurdwara is the Langar, or free kitchen. Here the food is cooked by sevadars (volunteers) everyday and is served to all without discrimination. Everyone is welcome!
Sikh Food Pantry
Sikh Food Pantry group came together during the COVID-19 public health emergency to serve the community. It was a very committed and energetic team of community volunteers, front line runners delivering groceries, packers in the pantry, back-office workers raising funds, dispatchers sorting groceries, and the other community members that keep the pantry stocked.
The Pantry was doing free delivery of groceries for seniors, the vulnerable and others that can not go out because of the "Sheltering in Place" order OR Free groceries for those that are unable to afford them during this time. Volunteers observed `Social Distancing` and safe handling of food guidelines. Gloves, masks, hand sanitizers were provided for protection. During grocery delivery, there was no physical contact with the receiver. Groceries packages were left at the doorstep and contact made with the receiver over the phone when on site. This was a no-contact delivery!
This group teams up and starts their service time to time as the need arises.
Special Recognition by City of Santa Clara California for outstanding service by this group during COVID-19 public health emergency
This group teams up and starts their service time to time as the need arises.
Special Recognition by City of Santa Clara California for outstanding service by this group during COVID-19 public health emergency
