Langar
Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"
Meaning
A langar is an open community kitchen where anyone can eat, whatever their class or faith. In Chishti khanqahs (sufi hospices) of the Sultanate period, the langar ran on futuh, which means charity that was given without being asked for. The food went to everyone who came. This showed the Chishti values of sharing, simple living and openness to all. The langar later became a central feature of Sikh gurdwaras too.
Example
In the 14th century, Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya's khanqah at Ghiyaspur, near Delhi, kept an open kitchen. It fed soldiers, slaves, singers, traders, Hindu jogis and poor people alike.
Don't confuse with
- Auqaf: These were permanent charitable trusts set up by Sultans. Langar was a daily open kitchen, and the futuh that paid for it was spent at once rather than saved.
Related concepts
- Chishti silsila
- Muinuddin Chishti
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
- Nizamuddin Auliya
- Nasiruddin Chiragh-i Dehli
- Baba Farid
- Shaikh Salim Chishti
- Gesu Daraz
- Sama
- Zikr