Instituted by first Sikh Guru, Nanak Dev, the tradition of langar traces its history back to when various devotees and visitors used to come to visit the Guru and there was a need to cater to them. Starting then, this fascinating tradition of a free community kitchen was continued through the generations, with the practice of langar becoming an intangible part of Sikhism.

A simple hot vegetarian meal. A luxury for the destitute and the homeless who line up for langar, hungry, yet very welcome.

Post 2008, in the aftermath of the recession, the number of people who line up for langar at Southall have increased, leading many to link it to the state of the economy.

All said and done, even if we look past religious tenets of Sikhism which prescribe charity, the Sikhs of Southall appear to go beyond just their religious duty.

Because rather than just being good Sikhs, they show us what it is like to be good human beings.
We leave you with this video of a woman who was assisted by S.W.A.T. It is indeed, heartwarming.