Langar (Sufism) facts for kids
Langar is a special tradition among Sufi Muslims in South Asia. It's a place where free food and drinks are given to anyone who needs them. It doesn't matter what their background or religion is. This practice started with the Chishti Order of Sufism.
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What Does Langar Mean?
The word Langar comes from the Persian language. Later, it became part of Urdu and Punjabi. In Bengali, it is called longor.
History of Langar
The practice of Langar was first started by Baba Farid. He was a Muslim Sufi from the Chishti Order. By the 12th and 13th centuries, Langar was already popular. Many Sufis in the Indian subcontinent used it.
This tradition grew over time. It is written about in a book from 1623 CE. Later, the Sikh community also adopted this practice. They even kept the same name for it.
The food is often served from a huge pot. This pot is called a deg. It is usually found near a dargah, which is a Sufi shrine.
Why Is Serving Food Important?
Giving food to those in need is a very old tradition. It is especially important among Sufis, particularly the Chishti Order.
Sufi writings often use food to explain ideas. Sweet foods like sugar show the joy of being close to God. Salt stands for being pure and honest. The journey of wheat becoming bread is like a person's spiritual growth.
Sufi rituals are about remembering God. They often include singing, dancing, and drumming. Sharing food is also a key part of these rituals.
Langar Khana: The Food House
Langar is given out in a place called a Langar Khana. This means "Alms-house." In a big dargah, there are two large degs. These are big cooking pots. They are fixed into the ground near the Saham Chiragh (courtyard lamp).
A tasty mix of rice, sugar, ghee (butter), and dried fruits is cooked in them. This food is then given to everyone as tabarruk, which means a blessing. The larger pot can cook about 70 mounds of rice. The smaller one can cook 28 mounds.
The Langar Khana at Ajmer Sharif
At the dargah in Ajmer, there are two famous degs.
Bari Deg (The Big Pot)
The Bari Deg is inside the Sahan-e-Chiragh. It is on the right side of the Buland Darwaza. Emperor Akbar promised to visit Ajmer Sharif on foot. He also promised to give a large pot if he won a battle. After winning, he kept his word. This big pot was given in 1567 CE (976 AH). Its edge is 12.5 yards around. It can cook 125 mounds of rice at one time.
Chhoti Deg (The Small Pot)
The Chhoti Deg is on the left side of the Buland Darwaza. It is also inside the Sahan-e-Chiragh. Sultan Nooruddin Jahangir gave this pot in 1604 CE (1013 AH). It can cook 80 mounds of rice at a time.
Rich visitors or princes often pay to have these pots cooked. This usually happens during the Urs period, which is a special festival.
